Mariposa County French Fire on July 4, 2024 -  Photo taken looking towards the Mariposa Masonic Lodge. Credit: Sierra Sun Times

July 19, 2024 - Mariposa, CA – CAL FIRE Law Enforcement Officers determined the French fire that occurred on Thursday, July 4, 2024, was caused by improper usage of a lawn mower in dried annual grass. Lawn mowers are designed to be used only on wet, green lawns and not dry weeds because they start fires.

The French fire burned approximately 908 acres of natural vegetation consisting of annual grass, oak woodland brush and timber. In total, 18 structures were identified as destroyed or damaged. Three single family residences were destroyed, and one was damaged. One commercial structure was destroyed and two were damaged. Seven other minor structures were destroyed, and four others were damaged.

The French fire investigation report has been referred to Mariposa County District Attorney’s Office.

95% of all fires in California are caused by people, many of these fires are caused by operating equipment incorrectly, without the proper defensible space clearance, and/or using equipment at the wrong time of day. CAL FIRE would like to remind residents that the potential for large destructive wildland fires only increases throughout the summer months as fuels continue to dry.

CAL FIRE would like to take this opportunity to remind the public to be vigilant and report suspicious activity to authorities. If you see a suspicious person, vehicle, or any other activity prior to, during, or after a fire, take pictures, video recordings, and/or write down detailed information. Any person with information related to an arson fire is encouraged to contact the CAL FIRE Arson Hotline at (800) 468- 4408. Callers can remain anonymous.

Source: CAL FIRE