Human Interest

Calif. Wildfire Near Yosemite Still Zero Percent Contained as Thousands Are Displaced by Evacuation

The wildfire, in central California near Yosemite, is still raging two days after it started

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Published on July 24, 2022 04:08 PM

MARIPOSA, CALIFORNIA - JULY 23: A Cal Fire firefighter monitors the Oak Fire as it moves through the area on July 23, 2022 near Mariposa, California. The fast moving Oak Fire burning outside of Yosemite National Park has forced evacuations, charred over 11,500 acres and has destroyed several homes since starting on Friday afternoon. The fire is zero percent contained. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) — Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty

A wildfire in central California's Mariposa County, dubbed the "Oak Fire," is still not contained.

On Sunday, the fire — which is burning right outside Yosemite National Park — has burned more than 14,000 acres. According to officials, thousands have been evacuated from nearby rural communities.

The Guardian reported that more than 6,000 people have been evacuated, and more than 2,000 homes and businesses have had their power shut off.

Fallen tree trunks and branches cover a road at the Oak Fire near Midpines, northeast of Mariposa, California, on July 23, 2022. - The California wildfire ripped through thousands of acres July 23 after being sparked a day earlier, as millions of Americans sweltered through scorching heat with already record-setting temperatures due to climb. (Photo by DAVID MCNEW / AFP) (Photo by DAVID MCNEW/AFP via Getty Images) — DAVID MCNEW/AFP via Getty

Daniel Patterson, a spokesperson for the Sierra national forest, told the outlet that more than 400 firefighters have been fighting the fire, as well as helicopters, other aircraft and bulldozers. Their fight has been made harder thanks to drought conditions that are making the area extremely dry.

The latest update from Cal Fire Sunday morning said that the fire "remained active through the night" and has continued to spread, assisted by hot, dry conditions "which will hamper firefighting efforts."

The blaze started Friday in the Sierra Nevada foothills near the small community of Midpines. Trees and brush have served as "dense fuel" for the fast-moving fire, Cal Fire reported.

The fire had destroyed at least 10 structures and damaged another five there, Cal Fire said Saturday. At that time, the blaze was threatening 2,000 other structures, per the organization.

A firefighter makes a water drop at the Oak Fire near Midpines, northeast of Mariposa, California, on July 23, 2022. - The California wildfire ripped through thousands of acres July 23 after being sparked a day earlier, as millions of Americans sweltered through scorching heat with already record-setting temperatures due to climb. (Photo by DAVID MCNEW / AFP) (Photo by DAVID MCNEW/AFP via Getty Images) — DAVID MCNEW/AFP via Getty

California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Mariposa County, in order to allow for more resources to be funneled into firefighting efforts.

CNN reported that a Red Cross evacuation center has been set up in a Mariposa elementary school. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.