US: Wildfire near Yosemite leaves one dead, forces evacuations July 15-16

Event

The so-called Ferguson Fire, ongoing in Mariposa county (California), near Yosemite National Park, left at least one firefighter dead on Saturday, July 14. The fire reportedly began around 22:35 (local time) on Friday, July 13, and had spread to over 3600 hectares (9000 acres) by 11:00 on Monday, July 16. As of 13:00 on Monday, the Ferguson Fire was only 2 percent contained. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

As of 13:00 on Monday, mandatory evacuations had been issued over the past day for Cedar Lodge, Savages Trading Post, Ferguson Ridge Road, Redbud Lodge, Jerseydale Road, Hites Cove Road, and all roads between Triangle Road and Hites Cove Road. Further evacuation advisories were issued around 11:00 on Monday, for Lushmeadows Community, Ponderosa Basin Community, Triangle Road from Jerseydale Road to Highway 49 South including all side roads, Darrah Road from Triangle Road to Sherrod Road, and the east side of Highway 49 South from Darrah Road to Harris Cutoff Road. Additionally, State Route 140 between Midpines and El Portal was closed, causing increased traffic on other Yosemite access roads.  

The further spread of the blaze is expected in the coming days. Additional road closures and evacuations are possible in areas threatened and affected by the fire.  

Advice

Individuals in affected areas are advised to exercise caution when traveling in areas near the wildfire, adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders), and monitor the situation.