River Fire gradually getting contained

Helped by favorable conditions, Cal Fire personnel gained ground on the 9,500 acre River Fire.

As of Thursday morning, Cal Fire personnel gained eight percent, to 36 percent of containment on the fire, according to a Cal Fire statement.

There are still 600 structures threatened, but just one has been destroyed with four other minor structures.

Weather conditions were favorable due to an increase of humidity, according to a Cal Fire release. Firefighters continue to mop up hot spots and strengthen control lines. Years of drought and disease have weakened many trees, and those dead and downed continue to pose problems along steep drainages.

Cal Fire urges residents to drive slowly in the area and yield to emergency personnel and equipment in the area.

Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue issued a State of Emergency in regards to the River Fire.

All evacuation warnings and road closures have been lifted in Mariposa County.

Evacuation orders have been reduced to warnings in the following areas: Road 600 between Leland Gulch Road and Blazing Saddle Trail, Road 800, Road 820, Road 810 and Road 812.

Evacuation warnings have been lifted on Road 600 between Road 415 and Road 612 and on Road 600 between Blazing Saddle Trail and Highway 49.

The following areas are open to residents only upon proof of residency at the road block: Road 600 at Leland Gulch Road; Road 600 at Blazing Saddle Trail; Road 800 at Road 613; Road 820 at Mariposa County Line; Road 810 at Mariposa County Line; Road 812 at Mariposa County Line.

There are 204 engines assigned to the River Fire, along with 18 water tenders, nine helicopters, 12 hand crews and 21 dozers. There are 1,226 personnel fighting the fire, which is almost 800 more than on Monday.