Fire breaks out near Yosemite National Park, Highway 140 closed

Paul Rogers, The Mercury News on Sep 1, 2026

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SAN JOSE, Calif. — A wildfire broke out Tuesday afternoon roughly 10 miles west of Yosemite National Park, prompting authorities to order evacuations and close Highway 140, one of the main routes into the park.

The fire, along Highway 140 and Colorado Road, was 171 acres by 3:05 p.m., according to Cal Fire, with 0% containment.

Yosemite National Park remains open. Highway 140 outside the park was closed between Cedar Lodge in El Portal and Midpines due to the fire.

By Thursday afternoon, Cal Fire had deployed helicopters and air tankers dropping retardant on the flames of the blaze, dubbed the Colorado fire, which according to radio traffic were spreading at a moderate rate in the steep canyons along the Merced River.

There were 126 firefighters, 14 engines, 4 helicopters and 2 bulldozers on the fire.

Mariposa County officials issued an an evacuation order for Rancheria Creek Road and the community of Briceburg. An evacuation warning was issued for Colorado Road from Highway 140 to Rancheria Creek.

Weather conditions remained generally moderate Tuesday, with temperatures in the Mariposa area in the mid-70s with mild winds.

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