2 firefighters injured battling Colorado Fire in Mariposa County; some evacuations downgraded

Some residents were allowed to return home in California's Mariposa County about 24 hours after a wildfire forced them to leave. 

The Colorado Fire began Tuesday and rapidly burned 233 acres with 10% containment as of Wednesday afternoon, Cal Fire said. The fire had been reported at 250 acres, but better mapping on Wednesday reduced the fire's size. 

Fire officials said the flames spread toward the Merced River drainage as crews worked to keep the fire north of Colorado Road, east of Telegraph Road, west of Buffalo Road and south of the Merced River. 

Fire officials said steep terrain was making it difficult for crews to access the fire's perimeter. 

Cal Fire reported that two firefighters were taken to the hospital after they were injured. Both are expected to be OK.

The California Highway Patrol's Oakhurst office said a cement truck crashed and overturned on Highway 140 near Bull Creek Road around 1:23 p.m. Investigators said this is what initially sparked the fire.

The truck driver was taken to a hospital with unknown injuries.

Sometime later, the CHP said a tour bus crashed at the same site. However, there were no passengers on the tour bus and the driver was not hurt.

The CHP said it is looking into what caused the crashes.

Cal Fire said significant additional ground and air resources have been requested to assist with the firefight.

Evacuations and warnings

As of Wednesday evening, the Octagon area remains under an evacuation order. The areas of Briceburg and Rancheria Creek Road were reopened to residents only.

An evacuation warning remains along Colorado Road from Highway 140 to Rancheria Creek, Buffalo Gulch Road and Savages Trading Post along Highway 140.

View map of current evacuation orders and warnings.

The temporary evacuation point at New Life Calvary Chapel in Mariposa closed on Wednesday.

Roughly 45 structures were threatened by the fire as of Wednesday morning.

Highway 140 closed

Highway 140 remains closed from Briceburg to the Bug Hostel, the sheriff's office said.

Pacific Gas and Electric shut off power in the area, affecting about 136 customers, officials said.