A wildfire rapidly expanded Tuesday afternoon in California’s Mariposa County, prompting evacuation orders, road closures and a power shutoff as firefighters worked to slow the flames in difficult terrain.
The Colorado Fire was reported at more than 10 acres shortly after 2 p.m. and grew to 20 acres before reaching approximately 30 acres by 2:39 p.m., Cal Fire said.
Fire officials said steep terrain was making it difficult for crews to access the fire’s perimeter.
Cal Fire said significant additional ground and air resources have been requested to assist with the firefight.
Evacuations and warnings
The Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation orders for:
An evacuation warning is in place along Colorado Road from Highway 140 to Rancheria Creek.
A temporary evacuation point has been set up at New Life Calvary Chapel, located at 5089 Cole Road in Mariposa.
Highway 140 closed
Highway 140 is closed from Briceburg to the Bug Hostel, the sheriff’s office said.
Pacific Gas and Electric has also shut off power in the area, affecting about 136 customers, officials said.
The cause of the Colorado Fire was not yet known.
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