Some evacuees of Yosemite-area fire can go home

SCOTT SMITH
Associated Press

OAKHURST, Calif. (AP) — Officials say they have gained the upper hand on a central California blaze in the foothills near Yosemite National Park that forced more than 1,000 residents to flee their homes.

State fire spokesman Chris Christopherson said Tuesday afternoon that the wildfire near the Madera County town of Oakhurst burned less than a square mile, revising earlier estimates of about twice that size.

Flames erupted Monday near the town about 16 miles from Yosemite, forcing evacuations of more than 1,000 people overnight. Some residents are now being allowed to return home, but it’s unclear how many.

The fire that destroyed eight buildings is 30 percent contained.

Drivers are allowed back on State Route 41, a road to the park that had been closed. The cause of the blaze is under investigation.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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