0% contained. The Colorado Fire — named for Colorado Road, not the state — broke out Tuesday afternoon, September 1, 2026, near Highway 140 and Colorado Road in the Midpines area of Mariposa County, California, about 10 miles west of Yosemite National Park. It grew quickly to an estimated 250 acres by evening. Mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for nearby zones, and Highway 140 is closed in both directions between Cedar Lodge in El Portal and Midpines. Yosemite National Park itself remains open and is not currently threatened. The cause is under investigation. This article will be updated as containment figures change.
The fire ignited along a stretch of Highway 140 that carries much of the traffic heading into Yosemite Valley from the town of Mariposa, only days before the Labor Day weekend rush. Flames burned along the west side of the highway near the bottom of a long grade, prompting an immediate closure of one of the park's main access routes even as Yosemite itself stayed open to visitors.
What's Known So Far
Cal Fire's Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit has assigned 126 personnel to the fire, supported by 14 fire engines, four helicopters, three water tenders, two bulldozers, and three hand crews. Numerous air tankers from across the state have been making retardant drops as weather conditions allow. As of Tuesday afternoon, the fire was moving at a moderate rate of spread toward the Merced River drainage. The cause remains under investigation.
Evacuations and Road Closures
Mariposa County officials issued mandatory evacuation orders for zones near the fire shortly after it broke out, with deputies making door-to-door notifications in the area. New Life Christian Church in Mariposa is serving as an evacuation shelter and is accepting small animals. Highway 140 — one of the main routes into Yosemite Valley from the town of Mariposa — is closed in both directions between Cedar Lodge in El Portal and Midpines. Yosemite National Park has said its other entrances, including the South Entrance (Highway 41) and Big Oak Flat Entrance (Highway 120), remain open, and the park itself is not currently threatened by the fire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Colorado Fire contained?
As of Tuesday evening, September 1, 2026, the Colorado Fire was at 0% containment after burning an estimated 250 acres. Check the live sources below for the current figure, as this fire is very new and changing quickly.
Is Yosemite National Park affected by the Colorado Fire?
Yosemite National Park remains open and is not currently threatened by the fire. However, Highway 140, one of the main routes into Yosemite Valley, is closed between Cedar Lodge and Midpines. Visitors can use the South Entrance (Highway 41) or Big Oak Flat Entrance (Highway 120) instead.
Why is it called the Colorado Fire if it's in California?
Wildfires are typically named after a nearby landmark where they were first reported, not the state they occur in. This fire was named for Colorado Road, near where it ignited in Mariposa County, California.
Have evacuations been ordered?
Yes. Mariposa County has issued mandatory evacuation orders for zones near the fire. New Life Christian Church in Mariposa is serving as an evacuation shelter.
Where to Get Live Updates
- Cal Fire — official incident size, containment, and resource updates.
- Mariposa County Sheriff's Office — evacuation zones and alerts.
- Yosemite National Park (NPS) — park entrance and road status.
- Caltrans District 10 — Highway 140 closure updates.
- Local broadcasters — KRON4 and NBC Bay Area provided initial coverage.
This article will be updated as containment increases or evacuation zones change. Verify any update against official Mariposa County channels before making safety decisions.
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