Fire Update September 16th, 2017

September 16, 2017 Posted by: Yosemite Fire Information
There are multiple fires burning in Yosemite National Park's wilderness. Weather has moderated with lower temperatures and higher relative humidities.

Empire
Discovered: 8/1/17     
Location1 mile east of Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area and 3/4 mile south of Glacier Point Road
Size: 6,256 acres        Cause: Lightning         Containment: 55%      Fuels: Red fir 
 
Fire activity was minimal yesterday due to increased relative humidity and precipitation from the last couple days. Conditions were favorable for fire crews to continue burn operations along Glacier Point road. Glacier Point Road will open Saturday Sept. 16 at 0800. Smoky conditions may exist along portions and delays may exist.
 
South Fork
Discovered: 8/13/17                           
Location: .75 miles east of the community of Wawona
Size: 6,840 acres        Cause: Lightning         Containment: 47%      Fuels: Mixed conifer and red fir
 
Fire remains quiet near the community of Wawona on the west and south flank of the fire. Sections of the north flank and the entire east flank are continuing to burn in the wilderness

Le Conte
Discovered: 9/12/17   
LocationNorth Side of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
Size: 1/2 acre  Cause: Lightning         Spread Potential: Low            Fuels: Sparse ground fuels
Strategy: Monitor
 
Showing no smoke.

Porcupine Campground
Discovered: 9/12/17   
LocationRight on Porcupine creek
Size: 1/10 acre            Cause: Lightning         Spread Potential: Low            Fuels: Ground fuels
Strategy: Monitor
 
Single green tree burning at the base with 10x10 ground fire with continuous wet fuels.

Morrison
Discovered: 9/12/17   
LocationN 37° 52.707' x W 119° 36.854' elevation of 8,535 '
Size: 1/10 acre            Cause: Lightning         Spread Potential: Low            Fuels: Ground fuels
Strategy: Monitor
 
Lightning struck green tree with fire in the top and 10x10 ground fire at the base.

Wolf
Discovered: 9/12/17   
LocationN 37° 52.597' x W 119° 36.552' elevation of 8,469 '
Size: 1/10 acre            Cause: Lightning         Spread Potential: Low            Fuels: Ground fuels
Strategy: Monitor
 
Green tree that was blown apart by lightning strike and burning at the base.
 
Hidden
Discovered: 9/12/17   
LocationN 37° 48.318' x W 119° 29.607' elevation of 8,564 '
Size: 1/10 acre            Cause: Lightning         Spread Potential: Low            Fuels: Ground fuels
Strategy: Monitor
 
On the southwest ridge 100 yards from Hidden Lake burning in duff and down logs. Fire activity was creeping and smoldering at the top of the slope. Fire crews will continue to check on it.

Illilouette Creek
Discovered: 9/12/17   
LocationN 37° 40.391' x W 119° 32.505' elevation of 7,570'
Size: 1/10 acre            Cause: Lightning         Spread Potential: Low            Fuels: Ground fuels
Strategy: Monitor
 
On north aspect of the ridge in a lightning struck snag with some ground fuel on fire. Empire fire operations will monitor this fire. 
 
Starr King
Discovered: 8/2/17     
Location: N 37° 42.965' x W 119° 29.588' at approximately 7800 feet elevation
Size: 60 acres             Cause: Lightning         Spread Potential: Low/ Moderate
Fuels: Red fir/ Lodgepole       Strategy: Monitor
 
Minimal smoke can be seen, with some pockets of light smoke interior of the perimeter.              

Indian Rock
Discovered: 9/15/17
Location: Fire is ½ mile south of Porcupine Flat Campground Road.
Size: 5’x10’                 Cause: Lightning Spread        Potential: Low            
Fuels: Brush and down timber

Yosemite Creek
Discovered: 8/3/17     
Location: N 37° 50.414' x W 119° 38.088' at approximately 7,970 feet elevation
Size: 3.4 acres            Cause: Lightning                     Spread Potential: Low
Fuels: Red fir              Strategy: Monitor                   
 
Fire is creeping and smoldering and will continue to be checked by fire crews.

Porcupine
Discovered: 8/2/17     
Location: N 37° 49.336' x W 119° 34.720' at approximately 8154 feet elevation off Tioga road.  
Size: 4.8 acres                        Cause: Lightning         Spread Potential: Low
Fuels: Lodgepole/Red fir        Strategy: Monitor                   
 Fires edge is 30 feet from the Tioga road and is creeping and smoldering and to be checked by fire crews. 
 

Last updated: September 16, 2017

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