Over two thousand firefighters are battling a wildfire that has engulfed 48,000 acres of rugged terrain in California. 29 structures have been destroyed and power’s been cut to Yosemite National Park.
Several towns in Mariposa County are under evacuation orders as officials struggle to contain the rapidly moving fire, named the Detwiler fire after its origin near Detwiler Road. Video posted by the Redwood City Fire Department shows air tankers dropping retardant on the flames.
4,500 homes are under threat, according to the California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection, as the blaze continues to spread rapidly after lighting Sunday.
California State Governor Jerry Brown has declared a state of emergency in Mariposa County.