Discovery Date: July 31st, 2017
Incident Personnel: 75
Size: 4,125 acres
Helicopters: 4
Containment: 40%
Cause: Lightning
Due to a very dry air mass fire activity increased yesterday on the eastern flanks of the fire burning in heavy pockets of down and dead vegetation. The west and northwest flanks of the fire are contained and showed minimal activity. Fire crews are implementing a perimeter control strategy for the north, west, and southern flanks of the fire to protect Bridalveil Campground, Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area, Yosemite West subdivision, Wawona Road (Highway 41), and Glacier Point road. Strategy for the east flank of the fire is to steer fire east deeper into the wilderness where there is sparse vegetation and natural granite barriers which will slow spread and limit smoke production. This high country wilderness area is very steep and rugged and has few high values at risk. Fire management personnel is implementing this strategy on three sides of the fire to limit further smoke production in heavy fuels.
Today crews will be working to secure the Deer Camp trail from Alder Creek east for 3/4 of a mile. Glacier Point road is closed to the public due to fire fighter safety to conduct tree felling and vegetation clearance. Additional crews and engines are on order to support these operations.
The following trail and area closures are in place until further notice:
- Glacier Point Road
- Bridalveil Campground
- Ostrander Trail
- Bridalveil Trail
- Alder Creek Trail
- Mono Meadow Trail
- Turner Meadow Trail
Smoke and poor air quality will persist at least through the first part of September. Fire Managers are working with the local Air Quality Districts and will be monitoring smoke impacts to the park and local communities. Community members who are sensitive to smoke may want to close their windows and doors and monitor the air quality link below.
For additional information:
- Fire Information: Yose_Fire_Info@nps.gov, (209) 379-1493
- Yosemite National Park Fire Information website: http://www.nps.gov/yose/blogs/fireinfo.htm
- Facebook: Search-- Yosemite Fire and Aviation: @YosemiteFire
- Twitter: Search @YosemiteFire https://twitter.com/YosemiteFire
- Air Quality: https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/nature/aqmonitoring.htm
- Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5475/
