The Colorado Fire near Yosemite National Park is slowly getting under control, but the impact on travel is still significant. The fire started Tuesday afternoon after a bus and a cement truck collided on Highway 140 near Colorado Road in Mariposa County. As of Wednesday morning, Cal Fire reports the blaze has consumed at least 250 acres. Evacuation orders remain in effect for nearby residents, with roughly 45 structures threatened by the flames.
Firefighters have been working around the clock, and officials say higher humidity overnight gave them a much-needed boost. More than 120 personnel are assigned to the fire. Still, Highway 140 is closed from Briceburg to the Bug Hostel, cutting off one of the main routes into Yosemite. For Sacramento residents planning a trip to the park, this means detouring through Highway 120 or Highway 41. The closure is expected to remain in place until crews can fully secure the area and assess the damage.
This fire is a stark reminder of how quickly conditions can change in the Sierra Nevada. It also highlights how a single crash can create a ripple effect for an entire region. If you’re heading to Yosemite in the coming days, check Cal Fire and CHP updates before you leave. Do you have a go-to route into Yosemite? How would a closure like this affect your travel plans? Let us know in the comments below.
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Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
