Dozens Of California Homes Razed By Oak Fire

As damage assessment teams continue their work in the Oak Fire burn scare, the number of houses destroyed is going up.

Cal Fire said Tuesday night that 42 homes and 19 outbuildings burned in the fire that started on Friday. This morning the number of residences destroyed stood at 25.

Crews have improved the fire line in the Mariposa Lines area, Cal Fire said. The blaze grew minimally on Tuesday, increasing to 18,532 acres, but containment remains at 26%.

"Although good progress continues on the fire, there is much work to be done," Cal Fire said. "An infrared flight over the fire showed minimal heat in Lushmeadows and surrounding communities." More evacuation orders were reduced to a fire advisement Tuesday afternoon, the agency said. Get details on the updated evacuations from the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office.

The north and northeastern edges of the fire continue to challenge firefighters with steep, rugged terrain that’s difficult to access.