Suppression Fire - Tenaya Fire
This wildfire began on the afternoon of September 7, 2015, and is being suppressed. The fire is located along the Lehamite Creek Trail from the north rim of the Valley to the Tioga Road. The fire is currently at 455 acres with 25% containment.
The Incident Commander noted that fire activity has moderated today in part due to the aviation assets and crews on scene. The fire continues to flank across slopes, creep through surface fuels and the understory of trees. Single tree torching was also noted. Short range spotting was observed due to variable winds;however firefighters and helicopter water drops were able to put these out. The firefighter efforts at the heel or anchor point continue to hold as they make good progress along both flanks of the fire. Firefighter actions were able to reduce the need for air tanker operations.
Although fire retardant has been employed in the suppression of the Tenaya Fire, firefighters are adhering to Minimum Impact Suppression Techniques (MIST). They are looking for opportunities to tie fire line into granite rock, trails, and other natural barriers with the least impacts to the environment, cultural and historical features.
Assisting organizations and cooperators include the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and other National Park Service resources. There are 241 personnel committed to the fire.
Risks include firefighter and visitor safety, and to the Tioga Road. A closure of the road would negatively affect the local communities that rely on park visitation, including the communities of Lee Vining, Mammoth Lakes, Groveland and Mariposa.
There has been one minor injury. There is no threat to structures. There is no estimated full containment and the cause is being investigated.
Trail Closures
A Safety Closure, issued by the park superintendent, is in place. It will remain in place until rescinded. All trails on the north rim of Yosemite Valley south of the Tioga Road and east of Yosemite Creek are closed. Trail blocks are in place –please adhere to their warnings of exclusion.
Currently no roads are closed within the park.
Other Fires Being Monitored
Cathedral Fire (37 51.078 x 119 25.120 –Tuolumne County - 9,400 feet elevation - 8/2/15)
This is near the John Muir Trail to Cathedral Lakes. The perimeter is actively smoldering and creeping through lodgepole pine needles and logs and has good potential to grow until it hits natural barriers. The fire is 37 acres.
Middle Fire (37 51.538 x 119 41.194 - Tuolumne County - 8,043 feet elevation - 7/27/15)
It is west of White Wolf and south of the Middle Tuolumne River. It is at 41 acres, and smoke may be visible from Tioga Road.
White Cascade Fire (37 54.926 x 119 23.780 - Tuolumne County - 9,000 feet elevation - 7/3/15)
This remote fire is east of Glen Aulin High Sierra camp, east of Conness Creek, and west of Tuolumne Meadows, and is approximately 30 acres. Smoke may be visible in Tuolumne Meadows.
All visitors are urged to be diligent in any use of fire, including smoking. And be sure all fires are out!
As with all fires, staff and visitor safety is of paramount importance. Each fire, regardless of size, is assessed for the appropriate course of action.
Yosemite continues to experience periodical air quality changes due to regional fires. Numerous large fires are burning along the entire western part of the United States and transport winds are carrying smoke across a large region. This pattern may continue for the next few days. The Rough Fire, south of Yosemite, is now the largest fire burning in California. We urge everyone to consider air quality when planning outdoor activities.
For More Information
- Fire information: email or phone: 209/372-0480
- Air Quality Sites: http://www.californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/ and http://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.main and www.mariposacounty.org/aqi