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Oakhurst, Calif. • Fire officials expect to soon lift the remaining evacuations ordered because of a wildfire burning near Yosemite National Park.
The flames drove about 1,000 people from their homes. State fire spokesman Chris Christopherson says residents still out of their homes should be allowed to return later on Wednesday, as firefighters get the upper hand on the blaze. Some evacuations were lifted a day earlier.
The fire near the community of Oakhurst in Madera County has burned about 1 square mile and was 40 percent contained. It started on Monday and quickly took off because of strong winds and tinder-dry conditions.
Eight structures, including two commercial buildings, were destroyed. Christopherson says two firefighters suffered minor injuries.