Getting a handle on a blaze

Massive Detwiler fire near Yosemite National Park is 40% contained

A massive wildfire burning near Yosemite National Park that forced the evacuation of thousands of residents last week is now 40% contained, officials said Sunday.

The Detwiler fire erupted last Monday east of Lake McClure in Mariposa County and has burned more than 75,000 acres and uprooted residents and businesses in communities throughout the region, according to Cal Fire. Most of the evacuation orders have since been lifted.

The wildfire, which produced plumes of smoke that spread as far as Idaho, destroyed 120 structures, including 60 homes, officials said. For four days, workers and families in Mariposa — a historic gold-mining town — were forced to evacuate.

Many residents were allowed to return to their communities Friday, and more evacuation orders were lifted Saturday evening, officials said. The fire is burning about 20 miles west of Yosemite.

Cal Fire spokesman Brandon Vaccaro said he expects full containment in about two weeks.

Justin Sullivan Getty Images FLAMES from the Detwiler fire approach a home in Mariposa, Calif. More evacuation orders were lifted Saturday night, officials said.

Marcus Yam Los Angeles Times VISITORS WATCH the sun rise behind Half Dome in smoke-shrouded Yosemite National Park. Tourists have been disappointed by the decrease in visibility.