MARIPOSA COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — Evacuation orders are in place after a two-vehicle crash sparked a wildfire in Mariposa County on Highway 140, south of the Merced River.
The following areas are under mandatory evacuation orders:
- Mariposa (546)
- Mariposa (548)
- Mariposa (549)
The following area is under an evacuation warning:
- Mariposa (547)
The American Red Cross has established an emergency shelter at New Life Calvary Chapel in Bootjack.
Highway 140 from Briceburg to the Bug Hostel is closed.
Fire crews are actively trying to contain what they are calling the “Colorado Fire,” which has already burned 171 acres with 0% containment.
According to CAL FIRE, the fire is spreading upslope, heading toward the Merced River. Ground crews are having trouble accessing the fire because of the steep terrain, while air resources continue to assist from above.
Around 45 structures are threatened.
The California Highway Patrol says that on Tuesday afternoon, a cement truck was driving through a curve east on Highway 140 when the driver crossed lanes and overturned, sliding into a small tour bus driving west.
The crash then sparked the fire.
No one was on the tour bus at the time of the crash except the driver, who was uninjured.
The cement truck driver’s injuries are unknown, but was awake, according to CHP.
This is a developing story. Stay with Action News for updates.
