Wildfire forces evacuations in Mariposa County

The Spring fire as photographed July 2, 2017. The Spring fire as photographed July 2, 2017. Photo: CalFire Photo: CalFire Image 1 of / 4 Caption Close Wildfire forces evacuations in Mariposa County 1 / 4 Back to Gallery

Firefighters were battling a blaze Sunday evening that destroyed 225 acres of wilderness along Highway 49 in the Sierra foothills, prompting road closures and evacuations in Mariposa County.

The fire started at 1:36 p.m. Sunday and raged into the evening as crews struggled against the steep terrain and thick vegetation. Flames leaped across Highway 49 at one point.

Officials from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said the cause is under investigation.

Evacuation orders were in place along Allred and Ashworth roads, and several stretches of road were blocked off along Highway 49. So far, no property damage or injuries had been reported, said Cal Fire spokeswoman Jamie Williams.

The Red Cross set up a shelter at Woodland School in Mariposa for people who had to flee their homes.

Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan