Wind warning in local mountains; gains made in Yosemite-area fire
As firefighters continued Wednesday to make gains on a wildfire near Yosemite National Park, a high-wind warning went into effect in Southern California mountain areas.
The National Weather Service said winds gusting up to 50 mph were expected to last until at least 10 p.m. Wednesday and possibly into Thursday morning.
Winds increase fire danger and create hazardous driving conditions on mountain roads and highways.
Firefighters were getting the upper hand on the Carstens fire near Yosemite, which has consumed more than 1,600 acres and was about 40% contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
About 700 residents of the Lushmeadow area were allowed back to their homes Tuesday evening, but evacuation orders were still in effect in other areas, including Mariposa Pines and Clarks Valley. About 150 structures were still threatened, Cal Fire said.
The fire began Sunday with an improperly extinguished campfire in the Midpines area of Mariposa County near Carstens Road and California 140, officials said.
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Twitter: @jeanmerl
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