Mariposa, California – A new wildfire, known as the French Fire, has erupted near the entrance to Yosemite National Park due to scorching temperatures following a heatwave. The fire has quickly spread across 843 acres and is currently 15 percent contained, with mandatory evacuations in place and a temporary closure of a nearby road.

Residents forced to evacuate due to the French Fire have begun returning home while Governor Gavin Newsom has secured funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to aid in combating wildfires, marking the second such allocation to California this week.

Amid a dangerous fire season in California, the French Fire is just one of 23 fires that have arisen in the state this week, leading some towns to cancel Fourth of July fireworks displays. Fortunately, most of the active fires are at least 50 percent contained, with no reported fatalities.

Firefighters have managed to halt the spread of the French Fire overnight by calming the wind, focusing their efforts on the eastern side after establishing a containment line in Mariposa. A local church has been designated as a temporary evacuation center, while the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

A section of State Route 140, a major access route to Yosemite, was temporarily closed due to the fire but has since reopened as progress is made by firefighters. Additionally, the Thompson Fire in Butte County has seen advancements in containment efforts, with thousands of personnel dedicated to the operation amid scorching temperatures in the area.

Efforts to contain the Thompson Fire include a significant presence of fire personnel conducting mop-up operations, aimed at reducing the risk of further fire spread. With a target completion date of July 15, officials remain optimistic about their progress and emphasize the importance of firefighter safety and well-being.