El Portal Fire Update #3

July 29, 2014 Posted by: Yosemite Fire Information

As you may know, a public briefing was held last night, with over 100 attendees in the town of El Portal. This fire remains very active and there has been incredible firefighting work done to protect employees, residents and park resources. The fire team made significant progress on the fire over the last several days. As with any incident in Yosemite National Park, firefighter and public safety is our number one priority. We appreciate everyone’s assistance with this priority.

General El Portal Fire Information

• The fire is currently 3,060 acres and 19% contained.
• As of July 29 at 9AM, the evacuation order for Old El Portal has been lifted.
• As of July 27, a Type 1 Interagency Management Team, from Southern California, was given command of this fire. The fire is on both NPS lands and Stanislaus National Forest. Joint Unified Command has been established.
• On July 26, at approximately 3:15, the El Portal fire began in the community of El Portal.
• Resources assigned: 640 Fire Personnel; including 7 helicopters and fixed wing as needed

Foresta – Fire remains active near community

• Evacuations remain in effect for Foresta.
• Structures are threatened and there has been one structure lost in Foresta.
• Structure protection engines remain in the area.

Campgrounds & Roads Affected – Hwy 120 and Big Oak Flat Road to Crane Flat and Tioga Road to Tioga Pass Remain Open

• Crane Flat and Yosemite Creek Campgrounds are closed.
• Bridalveil Campground is being used for fire operations and is therefore closed.  
• The Big Oak Flat Road is closed between Crane Flat south to El Portal Road (continuation of Highway 140 in Yosemite). This is a hard closure until further notice for the public, employees and residents.

For More Information
Future fire updates for the El Portal Fire will be provided by the Type 1 Incident Management Team, working closely with park management.  Fire information call center: 209-372-0327 or 209-372-0328.


Additional Fire Activity in Yosemite – all lightning started fires in designated Wilderness

• Dark Hole (580 acres, 5% contained) – managing for minimum impact to wilderness character and is being managed by the Type 1 Interagency Team.
• Mount Starr King (.5 acres) – smoldering and creeping
• Lembert (.25 acres) – smoldering and creeping
• Cathedral (.5 acres) – smoldering and creeping
• Elbow (2 acres) – smoldering and creeping