Waltz Fire

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Waltz Fire ignited at approximately 12:50 p.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, near South Waltz Road in Catheys Valley, located in Mariposa County, California.
Size and Containment: As of Monday evening, June 8, 2026, the fire has burned 1,644 acres and has reached 100% containment.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The fire spread very quickly after ignition, growing from 100 acres at 1:40 p.m. to 1,408 acres by late Friday afternoon. The rapid growth was exacerbated by the fact that the fire burned in a remote area with difficult access. The seasonal curing of herbaceous fuels across lower elevations created highly receptive conditions for rapid fire spread.
Containment Efforts: The CAL FIRE Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit is the primary agency managing the incident. A crew of 75 personnel was assigned to the fire, utilizing 8 engines, 4 water tenders, 2 helicopters, 3 bulldozers, and 2 hand crews. Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the state also flew fire suppression missions. Firefighters successfully created and improved containment lines in the difficult terrain to achieve full containment.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are currently no mandatory evacuation orders in place for the Waltz Fire.
Evacuation Warnings: There are no evacuation warnings active for the area.
Curfew: No curfew orders have been issued.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: As there are no active evacuations, no evacuation shelters have been opened, and there are no reports of displaced residents.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• No specific road closures have been reported.
• CAL FIRE has advised the public to avoid the South Waltz Road area entirely to ensure firefighter safety and allow crews room to work.
• There are no reported school or infrastructure closures at this time.

For more information, visit:

• CAL FIRE's Incidents Page
• Mariposa County Emergency Information
• AlertCalifornia Live Cameras

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported civilian or firefighter injuries or fatalities associated with the Waltz Fire.
Structures Impacted: Because the fire burned in a remote area of Catheys Valley, there have been no reports of structures damaged or destroyed, and no notable structures were impacted.
School and Business Closures: No schools or businesses have been reported closed due to this incident.
Notable Impacts: The primary impact has been on the natural landscape in the remote areas of Mariposa County, with minimal direct disruption to the surrounding communities.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: There are no official reports of power outages in the area related to the fire.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns or advisories have been issued.
Burn Bans: Residents should adhere to all local fire restrictions and burn bans typical for Mariposa County during the summer fire season.
Air Quality: Smoke from the fire may pose health risks, particularly for those with respiratory conditions. Residents in the vicinity of Catheys Valley and Mariposa County should monitor local air quality advisories and stay indoors if smoke becomes heavy.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: As of Monday evening, the fire has reached 100% containment. Full containment means the entire perimeter of the wildfire has been surrounded by a control line and is stopped from spreading. Firefighters will continue to patrol the area and mop up any remaining hot spots to ensure the fire does not cross containment lines.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Northern California is experiencing a steady warming and drying trend as it moves into early summer. While no specific Red Flag Warnings are currently active for the immediate fire area, the warming trend continues to elevate general fire risks across the region.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The cause of the Waltz Fire is currently under investigation.
Weather and Climate: Northern California is experiencing a steady warming and drying trend as it moves into early summer. The seasonal curing of herbaceous fuels across lower elevations creates highly receptive conditions for rapid fire spread. This warming and drying trend, indicative of the broader climate conditions during California's early summer, likely contributed to the fire's quick growth to over 1,400 acres within just a few hours of ignition.

For more information, visit:

• CAL FIRE's Incidents Page
• Mariposa County Sheriff's Office
• AirNow Fire and Smoke Map