18 July, 2017
The fire began Sunday near Lake McClure and left Valley skies looking hazy Sunday evening and Monday.
Initial road closures were set in place on Canyon Road at Highway 273, Canyon Road at China Gulch Road, Happy Valley Road at Canyon Road and Happy Valley Road at White Oak Avenue.
Highway 49 is closed from Pendola Garden Road to the intersection with Highway 132 in Coulterville.
Originally meeting at the evacuation center at McCay Hall in Cathy's Valley on Sunday, the Red Cross has opened a full overnight shelter at Mariposa Elementary School, in order to provide lodging, meals, health services and more.
At least one structure has been claimed by the Detwiler Fire, with another one damaged as the blaze continues to grow.
Mariposa County sheriff's officials ordered evacuations for all homes on Detwiler, Hunters Valley and Cotton Creek roads as flames crept closer to residential neighborhoods on Sunday.
The natural terrain where the Detwiller Fire is burning has been creating challenges for fire crews assigned to the incident, Cal Fire spokesperson Jamie Williams said, adding: "Firefighting efforts have been hampered due to the steep terrain.it's really rocky and extremely brushy".
The Merced Sun-Star reported Janet Kirkland, 72, who lives in Hunters Valley near the fire's location, was able to escape with her two dogs. "This time every fire department from here to LA is on the fire".
Mariposa County Sheriff's Office posted a dramatic video of the fire, showing trees engulfed in flames and smoke limiting visibility on the roadway.