23/07/2022: Fast-growing wildfire known by the name “oakfire” is raging through Mariposa County near Yosemite National Park. It is the largest active wildfire fire in California. At least 6,555 acres burned and is 0% contained.

Oakfire Burn Severity Map-dNBR
Burn severity analysis of Oakfire in Mariposa, California. The left large burn scar is the oakfire and the right scar is representing the Washburn fire. The platform used to derive dNBR is Google Earth Engine using Sentinel 2 satellite imagery.

The fire started at around 2 pm on Friday and is exploding in size under the hot breeze and dry conditions according to California forestry and fire officials. The fire grows drastically from 1000 acres to 6000 acres in a few hours. Hundreds of houses are vulnerable as the critical rate of spread continues. A total of 10 structures have already been destroyed and another 5 reported damaged. The cause of the fire is still unknown. The firefighting crew and aviation continue to work to contain the fire. The evacuation orders have been issued.

Update: 25/07/2022

Oakfire turned out to be one of the largest fires in California. It is still raging and burned 16791 acres as of Monday. The governor declares a state of emergency. 10 percent of the fire is contained as firefighters make some progress to contain it. More equipment and personnel arrived on Sunday including Monte Rio Fire from West Sonoma County. A total of 63 crews, 2,548 personnel, 281 engines, 6 dozers, 46 water tenders, and 17 helicopters are on scene. The air quality advisory was issued as smoke from Oak Fire near Yosemite was forecast to reach Bay Area.

Update: 31/07/2022

As of now, a total of 106 houses burned in oakfire. It consumed approximately 19,000 acres of forest. The containment of the fire grows by 60%. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Firefighters continue their challenging operation on the northeast flank of the fire in the Devil’s Gulch region.