Mandatory Evacuations Underway as 900-Acre Wildfire Rages Near Yosemite National Park in California
A 900-acre wildfire is tearing through Mariposa County, California, near the iconic Yosemite National Park, prompting mandatory evacuations and forcing a local hospital to shelter in place. The blaze, known as the French Fire, ignited just after 6 PM on Thursday and was only 15 percent contained by Friday evening. The fire has left approximately 3,100 residents without power, according to PowerOutage.us, as Cal Fire mobilizes ground units and a helicopter to combat the flames. Governor Gavin Newsom reported that 1,100 people were ordered to evacuate after the fire broke out. While some evacuation orders have been lifted, others remain in effect. Dramatic footage shows helicopters releasing fire retardant over billowing clouds of smoke, highlighting the intensity of the firefighting efforts. On Thursday, officials ordered patients and staff at California’s John C. Fremont Hospital to shelter in place. This order was lifted by Friday afternoon, allowing the h...
