The Railroad fire is 4,360 acres and 10% contained being managed by the South Central Sierra Interagency Management Team. An update is attached. For the Most up-to-date information: https://inciweb.n
South Fork
Discovered: 8/13/17 Location: N 37°32 '15" x W 119° 35'54"
Size: 6,985 acres Cause: Unknown Containment: 47% Fuels: Mixed conifer and red fir
Yesterday the northern and eastern flanks were active again as the fire burned into scattered pockets of heavy fuel, interior of containment lines. This fire behavior will continue as long as the warm dry weather pattern persists.
Fire crews will be utilizing natural features, handlines and small scale burning to contain fire spread to the north along Chilnualna Creek, as well as continue to patrol for hotspots in the portions of the fire closest to Wawona. Bucket work will be continued as needed on the southern boundary of the fire. Sections of the north flank and the entire east flank are continuing to burn in the wilderness, and will be monitored by aircraft due to inaccessible and steep terrain. As fire burns into the high country wilderness it will burn actively through pockets of dense vegetation but will then slow down as it progresses into sparse vegetation and natural granite barriers limiting smoke production. This high country wilderness area has minimal values at risk.
Area and trail closures are in place follow posted closure orders and maps.
Empire
Discovered: 8/1/17
Location: N 37° 38.673' x W 119° 37.096' at roughly 7300 feet elevation, 1 mile east of Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area and 3/4 mile south of Glacier Point Road
Size: 4,550 acres Cause: Lightning Containment: 55% Fuels: Red fir
Fire activity was moderated yesterday due to shading from the Railroad fire smoke. The east flank showed increased activity yesterday with some spotting on the northeast near Ostrander Ski Trail. Weather forecast for today predicts hotter and dryer conditions through the end of the week and into early next week.
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. The north and west flanks of the fire are contained and holding. Crews tied the south flank into natural barriers and will continue to hold and monitor. Fire management personnel are implementing this strategy on three sides of the fire to minimize further smoke production in heavy fuels. Spot fires on the northeast flank near Ostrander Ski Trail are being monitored. The east flank is being allowed to move towards the Illilouette basin to continue to enhance forest resiliency in a fire adapted ecosystem. Fire camp at Bridalveil Camp Ground, was relocated to Yosemite Ski and Snowboard area due to prolong smoke exposure to the fire fighters and camp ground host.
Yosemite National Park has managed fire in this wilderness area for decades. This high country wilderness area is very steep and rugged with numerous natural barriers and minimal values at risk.
Glacier Point Road is closed due to active fire near the road; conditions are being assessed as to when the road can be opened again. Additional crews and engines are on order to support these operations.
Starr King
Discovered: 8/2/17 Location: N 37° 42.965' x W 119° 29.588' at approximately 7800 feet elevation
Size: 32.4 acres Cause: Lightning Spread Potential: Low/ Moderate
Fuels: Red fir/ Lodgepole Strategy: Monitor
Activity has picked up and smoke will be visible from high elevation viewpoints.
Yosemite Creek
Discovered: 8/3/17 Location: N 37° 50.414' x W 119° 38.088' at approximately 7,970 feet elevation
Size: .75 acres Cause: Lightning Spread Potential: Low
Fuels: Red fir Strategy: Monitor
Porcupine
Discovered: 8/2/17 Location: N 37° 49.336' x W 119° 34.720' at approximately 8154 feet elevation off Tioga road near Yosemite Creek Campground road, creeping and smoldering, burning in large logs which are creating smoke.
Size: 2.2 acres Cause: Lightning Spread Potential: Low
Fuels: Lodgepole/Red fir Strategy: Monitor
Knob 91
Discovered: 8/4/17 Location 37° 52.185' x W 119° 35.217' at approximately 8980 feet elevation
Size: .39 acres Cause: Lightning Spread Potential: Low
Fuels: Timber litter Strategy: Monitor
Attached is the Central Sierra Smoke/AQ Outlook for Friday, September 2nd.