Colorado Fire Near Yosemite Forces Evacuations and Closes Highway 140

The Colorado Fire is burning in Mariposa County near Yosemite National Park, forcing evacuations and closing a major route into the park. As of Tuesday afternoon, the fire had scorched 30 acres and was rapidly expanding upslope. Evacuation orders have been issued for the immediate area, and a temporary evacuation point has been set up at New Life Calvary Chapel in Mariposa.

Highway 140 is closed from Colorado Road to Rancheria Creek, which is a key access point for travelers heading to Yosemite from the west. If you have plans to visit the park this holiday weekend, you’ll want to check Caltrans for the latest road conditions and consider alternate routes. The fire is a reminder that wildfire season in California is still very active, even as summer winds down.

For those in the affected area, please follow all evacuation orders and stay tuned to local authorities for updates. Have you ever had to change travel plans because of a wildfire? Let us know in the comments below.