Deadly Ferguson Fire rages across steep terrain

Mariposa County, Ca., (KIEM)- The deadly Ferguson Fire is threatening more than 100 structures in Mariposa County.

At more than 17,319 acres in size, the brush and timber fire is less than 5% contained. It is moving along steep terrain according to Cal Fire, closing Highway 140, 1.9 miles east of Midpines. The fire started Friday night around 8:30 p.m. It’s now established in the bottom of Sweetwater Creek. Crews are fighting to hold containment lines to protect the communities of Jerseydale, Mariposa Pines and Yosemite West. 36-year-old Braden Varney was killed this weekend by the Ferguson Fire. The 10 year Calfire veteran was killed while driving a bulldozer out of the fire. His efforts were protecting a nearby community.

The following are active evacuation orders and advisories (from Cal Fire):

Mandatory Evacuations:

Areas that are currently under a mandatory evacuation include: Incline Rd from Clearing House to the last BLM campground; Jerseydale/ Mariposa Pines; Cedar Lodge/ Indian Flat Campground, Savage’s Trading Post and Sweetwater Ridge.

Incline Rd from Clearing House to the Foresta Bridge

Evacuation Advisory:

This is NOT an Evacuation Order. This is an advisement only of a potential Evacuation Order should conditions change.

• Yosemite West

• Lushmeadows Community

• Ponderosa Basin Community

• Triangle Rd from Jerseydale Rd to Hwy 49 South including all side roads.

• Darrah Rd from Triangle to Sherrod Rd

• East side of Hwy 49S from Darrah Rd to Harris Rd- This includes Boyer Rd, Woodland Area, Wass Rd, Tip Top Rd

• National Park Service El Portal Complex

• Rancheria Flat- Government Housing

• El Portal Trailer Court

• Old El Portal

Evacuation Center: New Life Christian Fellowship, 5089 Cole Rd, Mariposa, CA 95338

 

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