Cement truck crash ignites Colorado Fire near Yosemite, forcing evacuations in Mariposa County

Key points

• The fire started at 1:25 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, after a cement truck collided with a tour bus on Highway 140 near Midpines.
• The blaze expanded from 171 acres to approximately 250 acres by Tuesday evening, with 10% containment reported by Wednesday noon.
• Mandatory evacuations were issued for Rancheria Creek Road, Briceburg, and the Octagon area, with warnings for Colorado Road.
• Highway 140 was closed between Briceburg and the Bug Hostel, affecting access to Yosemite National Park just days before Labor Day weekend.
• 126 personnel, including 14 engines and 4 helicopters, were deployed to fight the fire in steep terrain near the Merced River.

Background

This incident follows a pattern of recent wildfire activity in California and the West, including the Hawk Fire near Reno and the Grasshopper Fire near Mount Hood, which also prompted significant evacuations and resource deployments in August 2026.

How outlets are covering it

The California Post and myMotherlode.com emphasized the rapid growth of the fire and the immediate road closures, while The Mercury News highlighted the impact on tourism and the Labor Day weekend, noting that Yosemite remained open via other entrances. KCRA focused on the progress made by crews in slowing the fire's spread despite the challenging terrain.

Why it matters

The fire threatens 45 structures and disrupts a major route to Yosemite National Park, impacting tourism and local communities. It also underscores the risks of traffic accidents igniting wildfires in dry, steep terrain.

What to watch

Crews are expected to continue containment efforts, with increasing humidity potentially aiding firefighting. Authorities are monitoring wind conditions and may adjust evacuation orders as the fire's behavior changes.