LOC23:16
20:16 GMT
WASHINGTON, July 24 (KUNA) -- The Governor of California Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Mariposa County "due to the effects of the Oak Fire, which destroyed homes, threatened critical infrastructure and forced the evacuation of more than three thousand residents".
"Drive by hot, dry weather and drought conditions, the Oak Fire has burned more than 11,500 acres," the Office of the Governor said in a statement.
The statement added that "the State Operations Center is actively coordinating the state's fire response, dispatching mutual aid and addressing emergency management needs".
The fire near Yosemite National Park, which began on Friday, remained zero percent contained Sunday.
"Today the weather is expected to remain hot with minimum humidity between 5 and 10 percent, which will hamper firefighting efforts," the Cal Fire said.
It added that "high tree mortality and dense fuels are throughout the fire area. Fire evacuation and advisories remain in effect".
"Damage inspection teams are beginning their assessment of the areas affected by the fire," it noted.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. (end)
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