Blaze Razes 7 Business In Hamlet Near Yosemite

A devastating $1 million blaze has razed seven businesses in a California foothill hamlet that depends on tourists headed for nearby Yosemite National Park.

The weekend fire burned the estimated 9,000-square-foot building to the ground, destroying a major part of the Mariposa economy.

The popular Mariposa Pizza Factory, an often standing-room-only landmark in the town of 2,200 residents, and the Pony Expresso Coffee House & Trading Post are among the incinerated businesses.

The Modesto Bee says the cause of the Friday night fire hasn’t been determined.

California Highway 140, a stretch frequented by Yosemite National Park visitors, was shut down until Saturday afternoon while firefighters mopped up and extinguished hot spots.