116 homes, other structures burned in fire near Yosemite

JERSEYDALE, Calif. (AP) — At least 135 homes and other structures have been destroyed by a California forest fire near Yosemite National Park, officials said Thursday.

The Oak Fire in Mariposa County has charred nearly 30 square miles (77.7 square kilometers) of trees and brush, with 42% containment, Cal Fire said in an incident update.

Assessment teams are moving through remote communities in the Sierra Nevada foothills looking for more damage.

At its height, some 6,000 people were told to flee their homes after the blaze erupted last Friday near the town of Midpines. Thousands have since returned as many evacuation orders were lifted.

Lower temperatures and increased humidity in recent days helped firefighters slow the fire’s growth.

The fire’s cause is under investigation.