Ferguson, near El Portal

Ferguson, Sierra NF. IMT 2 (Strawhun). Ten miles north of Mariposa, CA. Timber, chaparral and short grass. Moderate fire behavior with flanking and backing. Numerous structures threatened. Road, area and trail closures in effect.

August 6, 2018 at 9:20 AM

Completion of the firing operation south of Wawona to the South Fork of the Merced River is a significant achievement for firefighters. This successful operation will secure the community of Wawona and the Mariposa Grove. Vegetation will continue to burn in Iron Creek Drainage within the interior of the fire, reducing the likelihood of future spotting. Once cooled, the southeast perimeter of the fire should be secured, freeing up resources to assist with other parts of the fire.

The weather is forecasted to be favorable today for additional firing operations around the fire perimeter. Burning operations along Montgomery Ridge south of Pilot Peak were completed last night. The burnout consumed vegetation between the dozer line on the ridge and the active fire. These tactical burning operations are done slowly when weather conditions allow, ensuring that no spotting occurs outside the containment lines.

Along the northern perimeter of the fire, crews kept the fire from crossing Highway 120 above Merced Grove. Expert sawyers, firefighters trained in cutting down large hazardous trees, work to remove fire-weakened trees from the Highway 120 corridor. Removal of these trees are necessary prior to the reopening of the highway.

Firefighters are burning along dozer-constructed containment lines from the tunnel on Big Oak Flat Road toward Highway 140 to contain fire spreading northeast from Foresta. Options are being explored to secure the southern portion of the fire above El Portal and Old El Portal. Fire did not challenge containment lines around those or other communities along the Highway 140 corridor. Structure defense specialists and law enforcement remained within all evacuated communities.

Firefighters are engaging the fire burning across Wawona Road (Highway 41) with line construction from Elephant Rock to the burn scar of the 2017 Empire Fire using roads and natural features. A southern containment line was identified along a former service road leading toward Badger Pass.

Yosemite Valley and other nearby destinations remain closed due to increased fire activity. National Park officials reported fire has impacted all roads into the valley. Steep terrain, dense forests of beetle-killed trees, unstable slopes and other hazards have made securing the area a challenge.

Yosemite National Park is accessible from the east out of Lee Vining. Tioga Pass Road provides access to the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center, the Pacific Crest and John Muir trails and several prominent peaks.

Fire behavior will decrease as a slight change in the weather occurs. Vegetation is dry and the potential for the fire to spread rapidly remains a possibility. Residents will continue to see smoke and multiple smoke columns. Air quality and health advisories are available at the Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program for the Yosemite areaand Southern Sierra area.

The fire has burned at varying intensities throughout the fire’s footprint to leave a diversity of landscape characteristics which benefit vegetation and wildlife.

Stanislaus National Forest closure: Stanislaus National Forest officials closed several roads and trails on the Groveland Ranger District within the vicinity of the Ferguson Fire. The closure order spans from Ferguson Ridge in the south to Pilot Ridge in the north. The closure is expected to be in effect until Sept. 30.

Yosemite National Park closure: Yosemite Valley, Wawona Road, the Mariposa and Merced groves of giant sequoias, Hetch Hetchy, among other areas, are closed. The east side of the park remains open out of Lee Vining along the Tioga Pass Road. For more information, go to nps.gov/yose or call 209-372-0200.

Mandatory Evacuations: Areas that are currently under a mandatory evacuation include:

· Anderson Valley

· Cedar Lodge/Indian Flat Campground

· El Portal Trailer Court

· Foresta

· Incline Road

· Old El Portal

· Old Yosemite Road

· Rancheria Flat – Government Housing

· River Road from Briceburg to the last BLM campground

· Savage’s Trading Post

· Wawona

· Yosemite Valley

· Yosemite View Lodge

· Yosemite West

Road Closures:

· Anderson Valley Road

· Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120) from entrance of Yosemite National Park to Crane Flat.

· Foresta Road

· Highway 140 from the entrance of Yosemite National Park to 1.5 miles east of Midpines

· Incline Road

· River Road from Briceburg to the gate at Railroad Flat and all campground areas along Highway 140

· Summit Road

· Old Yosemite Road (Coulterville Road)

· Wawona Road (Highway 41) between Chilnualna Falls Road in Wawona and Bridalveil Falls parking lot in Yosemite Valley

Red Cross Shelter:

· New Life Christian Fellowship: 5089 Cole Road, Mariposa, CA 95338Red Cross Shelter is located at New Life Christian Fellowship, 5089 Cole Road, Mariposa, CA.

Animal Shelters:

• Small animals: Central California Animal Disaster Team (CCADT) at 888-402-2238, ext. 700
• Large animals: Mariposa Fairgrounds, 5007 Fairgrounds Road, Mariposa, CA 95338

August 5, 2018 at 8:09 PM

The Ferguson Fire is now in its 24th day; the incident started July 13 on the Sierra National Forest and is managed under unified command between the U.S. Forest Service, California Interagency Incident Management Team 3, and the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office. This fire is being managed as a full suppression fire. Pockets of unburned vegetation remain inside the footprint of the fire, providing a more diversified landscape for plants and wildlife.

Firefighters remain committed to fully suppressing this fire and are actively engaged, taking action to limit the fire’s spread when it is safe to do so. The fire activity inside Yosemite National Park is dynamic.

The following areas remain closed: Yosemite Valley, El Portal Road, Wawona Road, Big Oak Flat Road, Glacier Point, the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, the Merced Grove of Giant Sequoias, Wawona Campground, Crane Flat Campground, Tamarack Campground, and several other sections of the Park. Please visit www.nps.gov/yose for the most up to date information. The public is reminded to stay vigilant of firefighters and fire traffic along the roadways.

A large portion of Yosemite National Park remains open. Tioga Road from Tioga Pass to White Wolf is open to all visitors and vehicles. Most of the trails and campgrounds along this route, including the Tuolumne Meadows Campground are open. Visitor services along Tioga Road, including the High Sierra Camps and the Tuolumne Meadows Store are open. For more information, go to nps.gov/yose or call 209-372-0200.

UPDATE: Morning Update, Evening Update, and Informe del Incendio.

AIR QUALITY: The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District issued an Air Quality Alert starting on July 25, 2018 for Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Tulare, and central through eastern Fresno, Kings and Kern counties due to smoke impacts from the Ferguson and Lions Fires.

Air resource advisors assigned to this incident provide daily smoke outlook reports for the various communities around the Ferguson Fire. Community members can utilize this information to do what is necessary to mitigate the effects of smoke on their health.

SMOKE REPORT: Southern Sierra and Yosemite

Ferguson Fire Videos on Facebook (Yesterday’s operational video has been captioned and interpreted in ASL)

TODAY’S WEATHER: The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District issued an Air Quality Alert starting on July 25, 2018 for Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Tulare, and central through eastern Fresno, Kings
and Kern counties due to smoke impacts from the Ferguson and Lions Fires. San Joaquin County will have smoke impacts from the Carr Fire. This Air Quality Alert is in effect until the fires are extinguished.

August 5, 2018 at 9:15 AM

Firefighters worked through the night to strengthen containment lines and suppress the Ferguson Fire. The fire grew by 7,934 acres overnight and was at 89,633 acres as of 6 a.m. Containment is at 35 percent. This fire is being managed as a full-suppression fire.

Firefighters anticipate completing tactical burning from the spot fires south of Wawona to the South Fork of the Merced River. Once cooled, the southeast perimeter of the fire will be secured, freeing up resources to assist with other parts of the fire.

Along the northwest perimeter of the fire, crews performed tactical burning along the 13 Road back toward the main body of the fire. They will monitor and patrol sections of the fire that became more active Friday but remained within containment lines.

Firefighters maintained a presence and protected structures within the evacuated communities along Highway 140, as well as Foresta and Yosemite West. Fire continued to spread eastward around Foresta and Yosemite West, with minimal backing down toward El Portal during nighttime downslope drafts. Firefighters performed tactical burning off the Foresta and Big Flat Oak roads.

Crews began constructing contingency lines inside Yosemite National Park as fire remained active around Chinquapin, with spotting up to a half-mile into the park. Firefighters will take advantage of existing roads and natural features as they build containment lines from Elephant Rock to the burn scar of the 2017 Empire Fire.

While Yosemite Valley remains evacuated because of hazardous road conditions, smoke and a loss of power, Yosemite National Park is accessible from the east out of Lee Vining. Tioga Pass Road provides access to the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center, the Pacific Crest and John Muir trails and several prominent peaks.

Warm, dry conditions continue to cause highly active fire behavior and spotting, challenging suppression efforts. Residents will continue to see smoke and smoke columns within the fire perimeter. Air quality and health advisories are available at the Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program for the Yosemite area and Southern Sierra area.

Pockets of unburned vegetation remain inside the footprint of the fire, providing a more diversified landscape for plants and wildlife.

Stanislaus National Forest closure: Stanislaus National Forest officials closed several roads and trails on the Groveland Ranger District within the vicinity of the Ferguson Fire. The closure order spans from Ferguson Ridge in the south to Pilot Ridge in the north. The closure is expected to be in effect until Sept. 30.

Yosemite National Park closure: Yosemite Valley, Wawona Road, the Mariposa and Merced groves of giant sequoias, Hetch Hetchy, among other areas, are closed. The east side of the park remains open out of Lee Vining along the Tioga Pass Road. For more information, go to nps.gov/yose or call 209-372-0200.

Mandatory Evacuations: Areas that are currently under a mandatory evacuation include:

· Anderson Valley

· Cedar Lodge/Indian Flat Campground

· El Portal Trailer Court

· Foresta

· Incline Road

· Old El Portal

· Old Yosemite Road

· Rancheria Flat – Government Housing

· River Road from Briceburg to the last BLM campground

· Savage’s Trading Post

· Wawona

· Yosemite Valley

· Yosemite View Lodge

· Yosemite West

Road Closures:

· Anderson Valley Road

· Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120) from entrance of Yosemite National Park to Crane Flat.

· Foresta Road

· Highway 140 from the entrance of Yosemite National Park to 1.5 miles east of Midpines

· Incline Road

· River Road from Briceburg to the gate at Railroad Flat and all campground areas along Highway 140

· Summit Road

· Old Yosemite Road (Coulterville Road)

· Wawona Road (Highway 41) between Chilnualna Falls Road in Wawona and Bridalveil Falls parking lot in Yosemite Valley

Red Cross Shelter:

· New Life Christian Fellowship: 5089 Cole Road, Mariposa, CA 95338Red Cross Shelter is located at New Life Christian Fellowship, 5089 Cole Road, Mariposa, CA.

Animal Shelters:

• Small animals: Central California Animal Disaster Team (CCADT) at 888-402-2238, ext. 700
• Large animals: Mariposa Fairgrounds, 5007 Fairgrounds Road, Mariposa, CA 95338

August 4, 2018 at 9:37 PM

Strong westerly winds challenged firefighters today as they worked to suppress the Ferguson Fire. The fire grew by 944 acres throughout the day and was at 81,699 acres as of 6 p.m. Containment is at 36 percent. This fire is being managed as a full-suppression fire.

Firefighters were successful in keeping the fire out of Foresta and Yosemite West. The fire had moved up the west side of Foresta, following the area burned by the 2012 El Portal Fire. It also burned to the south and west of the community. Fire burned to the north, east and west of Yosemite West. Firefighters were successful in protecting structures and ignited tactical fires to buffer both communities.

Fire damaged power poles and lines, interrupting power to Yosemite West and portions of Highway 140.

Crews were able to remove downed trees along Glacier Point Road allowing for safe egress from the incident encampment at Badger Pass. Firefighters worked on direct containment, where possible, near Chinquapin where the fire was pushing up Badger Pass. Contingency lines are being planned from Elephant Rock to the burn scar of the 2017 Empire Fire using existing roads and natural features.

Along the fire’s northern perimeter, fire activity picked up, but remained within containment lines.

Firefighters monitored and patrolled the fires near Wawona, which stayed within their containment lines. Crews plan to resume tactical firing operations this evening toward the South Fork of the Merced River, weather permitting. Once completed and cooled, the fire’s southwest corner will be secured.

Yosemite Valley was evacuated Friday because of hazardous road conditions, smoke and a loss of power, but Yosemite National Park remains open on the east side out of Lee Vining. Tioga Pass Road provides access to the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center, the Pacific Crest and John Muir trails and several prominent peaks.

Warmer and drier conditions are resulting in increased fire behavior and spotting. Winds are expected to peak tonight. Residents will continue to see smoke and smoke columns within the fire perimeter. Air quality and health advisories are available at the Wildland Fire Aire Quality Response Program for the Yosemite area and Southern Sierra area.

Pockets of unburned vegetation remain inside the footprint of the fire, providing a more diversified landscape for plants and wildlife.

Memorial service: The memorial service for Arrowhead Hot Shots Captain Brian Hughes took place at 11 a.m. today at Valdez Hall in Fresno. Hughes, 33, died in the line of duty July 29 when he was struck by a tree while fighting the Ferguson Fire. The service was well-attended by an estimated 1,000 people.

Stanislaus National Forest closure: Stanislaus National Forest officials closed several roads and trails on the Groveland Ranger District within the vicinity of the Ferguson Fire. The closure order spans from Ferguson Ridge in the south to Pilot Ridge in the north. The closure is expected to be in effect until Sept. 30.

Yosemite National Park closure: Yosemite National Park officials closed Yosemite Valley, Wawona Road, the Mariposa and Merced groves of giant sequoias, Hetch Hetchy and other areas through Aug. 5, when conditions will be reevaluated. For more information, go to nps.gov/yose or call 209-372-0200.

Mandatory Evacuations: Areas that are currently under a mandatory evacuation include:

· Anderson Valley

· Cedar Lodge/Indian Flat Campground

· El Portal Trailer Court

· Foresta

· Incline Road

· Old El Portal

· Old Yosemite Road

· Rancheria Flat – Government Housing

· River Road from Briceburg to the last BLM campground

· Savage’s Trading Post

· Wawona

· Yosemite Valley

· Yosemite View Lodge

· Yosemite West

Road Closures:

· Anderson Valley Road

· Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120) from entrance of Yosemite National Park to Crane Flat.

· Foresta Road

· Highway 140 from the entrance of Yosemite National Park to 1.5 miles east of Midpines

· Incline Road

· River Road from Briceburg to the gate at Railroad Flat and all campground areas along Highway 140

· Summit Road

· Old Yosemite Road (Coulterville Road)

· Wawona Road (Highway 41) between Chilnualna Falls Road in Wawona and Bridalveil Falls parking lot in Yosemite Valley

Red Cross Shelter:

· New Life Christian Fellowship: 5089 Cole Road, Mariposa, CA 95338Red Cross Shelter is located at New Life Christian Fellowship, 5089 Cole Road, Mariposa, CA.

Animal Shelters:

· Small animals: Central California Animal Disaster Team (CCADT) at 888-402-2238, ext. 700

· Large animals: Mariposa Fairgrounds, 5007 Fairgrounds Road, Mariposa, CA 95338

August 4, 2018 at 11:57 AM

The Ferguson Fire grew by 3,548 acres overnight and was at 80,755 acres as of 6 a.m. Containment is at 36 percent.

Overnight, firefighters monitored and patrolled a spot fire that was burning in the Crane Creek drainage southwest of Foresta, and one that had crossed Wawona Road (Highway 41) and was burning toward Badger Pass. About 100 incident personnel based out of Badger Pass sheltered in place in fire camp. Fire burning across Glacier Point Road made egress out of the park unsafe.

Firefighters were successful in keeping the fires from spreading into Foresta and Yosemite West. The fires also were kept from coming back down into the evacuated communities along the Highway 140 corridor. Suppressing these fires and keeping the communities of Foresta and Yosemite West safe remain the incident’s priority, along with securing the northern and southeastern perimeters of the fire.

Yosemite Valley was evacuated Friday because of hazardous road conditions, smoke and a loss of power, but the Yosemite National Park remains open on the east side out of Lee Vining. Tioga Pass Road provides access to the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center, the Pacific Crest and John Muir trails and several prominent peaks.

On the north side of the fire, crews monitored and patrolled Pilot Ridge along the Mariposa-Tuolumne county line after Friday’s tactical firing operations. They will perform tactical firing south along the 13 Road as weather allows to fully contain the fire’s northern perimeter.

Firefighters monitored and patrolled two spots fires southwest of Wawona, which stayed within their containment lines overnight. Crews will resume tactical firing operations toward the Merced River when conditions allow to secure the fire’s southwest corner.

Warmer and drier conditions are resulting in increased fire behavior and spotting. Residents will continue to see smoke columns within the fire perimeter. Residents can monitor air quality and health advisories at:

· https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/YosemiteArea

· https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/SouthernSierra

Memorial service: The memorial service for Arrowhead Hot Shots Captain Brian Hughes will be at 11 a.m. today at Valdez Hall in Fresno. Hughes, 33, died in the line of duty July 29 when he was struck by a tree while fighting the Ferguson Fire.

August 3, 2018 at 5:54 PM

A Mandatory Evacuation Order has been issued for El Portal Community. A MANDATORY EVACUATION ORDER has been issued for the following areas:

Rancheria Flat- Government Housing
Incline Rd- from Foresta Bridge to Clearing House
Trailer Court
Cedar Lodge
Savages Trading Post

You can begin to evacuate now, the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office is in the area contacting residents.

Residents will need to use Highway 140 to Mariposa. Please drive with caution and watch for responding emergency traffic.

RED CROSS SHELTER:
New Life Christian Church located at 5089 Cole Rd in Mariposa

If you need assistance with large animal evacuation please call the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office at 209-966-3615

August 3, 2018 at 11:50 AM

Mandatory Evacuation for Yosemite Valley

Yosemite Valley is NOT THREATENED by the fire at this time, but a mandatory evacuation has been issued due to multiple hazards along El Portal Road, Big Oak Flat Road, and Wawona Road, as well as power outages in Yosemite Valley.

El Portal Road (extension of Highway 140 within the park) and Big Oak Flat Road west of Crane Flat may be closed for an extended period of time due to fire activity, hazard trees, and firefighters working on the roads.

Access to Yosemite Valley is closed through Sunday due to fire operations. This includes El Portal Road (Highway 140 inside the park), Wawona Road (Highway 41 inside the park), and Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120, inside the park between the Big Oak Flat Entrance Station and Yosemite Valley).

Currently the only public access into Yosemite National Park is via Tioga Pass from Highway 120 east via U.S. 395 from Lee Vining. The Tioga Road remains open to Crane Flat. For current road conditions, visit the park’s website: https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm or call 209/372-0200 (press 1, then 1 again).

Yosemite Valley residents must leave the valley by 12:00 pm today. Convoys for Yosemite Valley residents are meeting at El Capitan Meadow at 11:00 am and 12:00 pm for the Wawona Rd. At this time residents may also enter and exit Yosemite Valley unescorted via Big Oak Flat Road and Tioga Road east of Crane Flat to 395. However, due to unpredictable weather, fire behavior and hazards this corridor could close at any time. A Red Cross Shelter is located at New Life Christian Fellowship, 5089 Cole Road, Mariposa, CA.

August 2, 2018 at 9:18 PM

Firefighters worked throughout the day containing spot fires as they made progress toward full suppression of the Ferguson Fire. Officials reported the total footprint of the fire grew by 830 acres throughout the day and was at 69,440 acres as of 6 p.m. Containment is at 41 percent.

Firefighters were able to construct containment line around much of the spot fires that prompted the precautionary evacuation of Wawona Wednesday evening. To the north, crews felled snags in preparation for tactical firing toward the spot fire northwest of Merced Grove. Smoke and containment operations resulted in the closure of Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120). The road remains closed between Crane Flat and the Big Oak Flat entrance of Yosemite National Park. At this time, the only entrance into the park is Lee Vining (Highway 120) to Crane Flat.

Firefighters tended to a new spot fire a couple miles east of El Portal, while crews continued preparing containment lines along the 30X Road to buffer Yosemite West. Structure specialists were stationed within Yosemite West and Foresta.

The high pressure system above the fire is weakening throughout the week, resulting in warmer and drier conditions. This will increase fire behavior. Residents will continue to see smoke columns during the next few days. Residents can monitor air quality and health advisories at:

· https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/YosemiteArea

· https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/SouthernSierra

CAL FIRE exited Unified Command at 6 a.m. today because of reduced threats to state and private lands. CAL FIRE remains committed to the Ferguson Incident as an assisting agency. California Interagency Incident Management Team 3, led by Incident Commander Mark von Tillow, will assume management of the Ferguson Fire at 6 a.m. Friday, Aug. 3.

Community Meeting: Representatives from the Incident Management Team, U.S. Forest Service and Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office will discuss the current fire situation and suppression efforts during a community meeting at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 3, at the Mountain Christian Center, 40299 Highway 49, in Oakhurst.

August 2, 2018 at 10:37 AM

The fire is now 68,610 acres with 39% containment and 3,344 personnel that are currently engaged on the fire which include 145 engines, 45 water tenders, 14 helicopters, 88 crews, 5 masticators and 49 dozers. There have been 2 fatalities and 11 injuries to date. 10 structures has been destroyed.

Firefighters worked throughout the night to contain a couple spot fires outside of Wawona as they made progress toward full suppression of the Ferguson Fire.

The high pressure system above the fire is weakening which will result in warmer and drier conditions. With lower winds speeds and the inversion layer forecasted to lift by midday, residents are likely to see taller smoke columns than they are used to seeing.

MANDATORY EVACUATIONS: Areas that are currently under a mandatory evacuation include:
Anderson Valley
River Road from Briceburg to last BLM Campground
El Portal Trailer Court
Foresta
Old El Portal
Old Yosemite Road
Yosemite View Lodge
Yosemite West

ADVISORY EVACUATIONS:
Cedar Lodge/Indian Flat Campground
Rancheria Flat and all campgrounds along Highway 140
Savages’Trading Post

August 1, 2018 at 8:41 PM

On Sunday, July 29, 2018, Brian Hughes, 33, Captain of the Arrowhead Interagency Hotshots lost his life battling the Ferguson Fire on the Sierra National Forest. An official memorial website has been established in honor of Captain Hughes. There, the public can learn about him, upcoming memorial services, and where to send condolence letters or contributions. The site also includes a section for visitor-submitted memories and condolences. more…

The Ferguson Fire now in its 20th day, started July 13 on the Sierra National Forest and is managed under unified command between the United States Forest Service, California Interagency Incident Management Team 4, CALFIRE and the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office.

The fire is now 63,798 acres with 39% containment and 3,344 personnel that are currently engaged on the fire which include 145 engines, 45 water tenders, 14 helicopters, 88 crews, 5 masticators and 49 dozers. There has been 2 fatalities and 11 injuries to date. 1 structure has been destroyed.

The high pressure system above the fire is weakening which will result in warmer and drier conditions. With lower winds speeds and the inversion layer forecasted to lift by midday, residents are likely to see taller smoke columns than they are used to seeing.

Natural resource specialists have begun surveying the western side of the fire today to assess areas requiring repair and mitigation. Firefighters, in conjunction with resource advisors, play an important role in helping the landscape recover from containment lines and other suppression tactics.

August 1, 2018 at 6:19 PM

The Evacuation Orders for the following locations will be lifted this evening Wednesday August 1, 2018 at 7pm. This area will be open to residents only and will remain under a Fire Advisement. Fire Advisement- This is an advisement only of a potential Evacuation Order should conditions change.

Evacuation Areas Lifted:

El Portal Trailer Court- All residents will need to use the ENTRY POINT on Highway 140 in the Midpines area.

Due to the large amount of emergency equipment in the area, speed control will also be enforced.

Evacuation Order remains in effect for- Old El Portal and Park Line / Yosemite View Lodge area will remain closed.

Road Closures-
Highway 140 from 1.5 miles West of Midpines to El Portal Rd- Open to Residents Only
Highway 140 from El Portal Rd to Yosemite National Park Entrance
El Portal Rd
Foresta Rd from El Portal Rd to Foresta

August 1, 2018 at 6:08 PM

A Mandatory Evacuation Order has been issued for: The Community of Wawona

Please use Wawona Rd to Highway 41 to safely exit the area. Wawona Rd to Highway 140 remains closed.

You can begin evacuating now, Yosemite National Park Service and Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office are currenty in the area contacting residents.

A Red Cross Shelter has been established at the New Life Christian Church located at 5089 Cole Rd in Mariposa.

Please drive with caution and watch for responding emergency traffic.

August 1, 2018 at 8:01 AM

Firefighters made progress toward full suppression on the Ferguson Fire throughout the night. Officials reported the fire grew by 4,809 acres overnight and was at 62,883 acres as of 6 a.m. Containment is at 39 percent.

Firefighters advanced tactical firing south along Wawona Road (Highway 41) toward Wawona Campground. Crews also approached the campground from the west, conducting firing operations from Crow Peak.

On the north end of the fire, crews conducted nighttime burning operations off the containment lines toward Yosemite’s Merced Grove of giant sequoias and along the Thirteen Road toward Pilot Peak.

Firefighters conducted firing operations from the 30X road outside of Yosemite West to start indirect containment of the fire which is spreading southeast from El Portal. Crews were able to perform firing operations near the edge of the fire to slow its progression. Firefighters are scouting locations to construct bulldozer and hand line to further contain the fire.

The high pressure system above the fire is weakening which will result in warmer and drier conditions. With lower winds speeds and the inversion layer forecasted to lift by midday, residents are likely to see taller smoke columns than they are used to seeing. Residents can monitor air quality and health advisories at:
• https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/YosemiteArea
• https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/SouthernSierra

Stanislaus National Forest closure: Stanislaus National Forest officials closed several roads and trails on the Groveland Ranger District within the vicinity of the Ferguson Fire. The closure order spans from Ferguson Ridge in the south to Pilot Ridge in the north. The closure is expected to be in effect until Sept. 30.

Yosemite National Park closure: Yosemite National Park officials today extended closures of Yosemite Valley, Wawona Road, the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, the Merced Grove of Giant Sequoias, Hetch Hetchy and other areas through Aug. 5, conditions permitting. For more information, go to nps.gov/yose or call 209-372-0200.

July 31, 2018 at 9:05 PM

The Ferguson Fire now in its 19th day, started July 13 on the Sierra National Forest and is managed under unified command between the United States Forest Service, California Interagency Incident Management Team 4, CALFIRE and the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office. Much of the fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain with little to no access roads. Mandatory and advisory evacuations are in place in several areas but no homes have been damaged or destroyed.

The fire is now 58,074 acres with 33% containment and 3,558 personnel that are currently engaged on the fire which include 203 engines, 43 water tenders, 14 helicopters, 95 crews, 5 masticators and 62 dozers. There has been 2 fatalities and 9 injuries to date. 1 structure has been destroyed.

Area residents can expect to see increased smoke during the next few days as firing operations continue. Tactical firing is an effective way to reduce fuel loads while simultaneously widening or extending containment lines. It can reduce the duration and intensity of wildfires, particularly by decreasing available fuels and weakening the fire as it approaches containment lines.

Natural resource specialists have begun surveying the western side of the fire today to assess areas requiring repair and mitigation. Firefighters, in conjunction with resource advisors, play an important role in helping the landscape recover from containment lines and other suppression tactics.

Yosemite National Park announces Yosemite Valley, Wawona Road, the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, the Merced Grove of Giant Sequoias, Hetch Hetchy, and other areas will remain closed to all visitors through Sunday, August 5, 2018 due to continued unhealthy smoke impacts and ongoing firefighting operations. For information on Yosemite National Park, go to: nps.gov/yose or call 209-372-0200. Road Closure map and public health and safety closure.

July 31, 2018 at 7:39 PM

Firefighters made progress toward full suppression on the Ferguson Fire. Officials reported the fire grew by 228 acres throughout the day and was at 58,074 acres as of 6 p.m. Containment is at 33 percent.

Firefighters prepared for nighttime tactical firing south along Wawona Road (Highway 41) toward Wawona Campground. Crews along the southern perimeter widened containment lines by up to 1,000 feet in some areas near Chowchilla Mountain Road using firing operations. The line should be wide enough to contain the spot fires that have occurred in the area in recent days.

Firefighters began constructing indirect fire lines to intercept a spot fire that had jumped containment lines a few days earlier south of El Portal. Crews performed tactical burning along a road south of the fire in response to the fire’s southeasterly movement. Additional personnel have been sent to the Foresta area in case the fire shifts to a more northeastern direction. Steep and inaccessible terrain have made direct attack on the fire difficult.

On the north end of the fire, crews will conduct nighttime burning operations northbound to Yosemite’s Merced Grove of giant sequoias and along the Thirteen Road toward Pilot Peak.

July 31, 2018 at 8:35 AM

Firefighters along the fire’s eastern perimeter got within a mile of Wawona Campground with their nighttime firing operation south along Wawona Road (Highway 41). When completed, the operation will add about 6 miles of improved containment line along the southwest corner of Yosemite National Park.

On the north end of the fire, crews will look for opportunities to conduct tactical burning operations northbound past Yosemite’s Merced Grove of giant sequoias and along the Thirteen Road toward Pilot Peak. Firefighters intend to link these two firing operations within the next two days with tactical firing along Pilot Ridge on the Mariposa-Tuolumne county line.

Firefighters are monitoring a portion of the fire that had slopped over a containment line a few days prior. Located about a mile southeast of El Portal, the fire is burning in steep terrain with excessive amounts of beetle-killed trees, making it difficult to access. Crews are scouting areas to construct indirect containment lines while making use of water and retardant drops to keep the fire within its current boundaries.

Along the southern end of the fire, spot fires from the previous day showed increased activity, but crews were able to keep them within their containment lines. Firefighters continued to make significant progress firing containment lines from Roundtree Saddle toward Chowchilla Mountain Road, with hopes to connect to Wawona Campground from the west in the next two days.

Area residents can expect to see increased smoke during the next few days as firing operations continue. Tactical firing is an effective way to reduce fuel loads while simultaneously widening or extending containment lines. It can reduce the duration and intensity of wildfires, particularly by decreasing available fuels and weakening the fire as it approaches containment lines.

During all tactical firing operations on the Ferguson Fire, firefighters and law enforcement maintain a presence in evacuated communities to ensure home and structure safety.

July 30, 2018 at 10:07 PM

Firefighters made progress toward full suppression throughout the day with tactical firing operations on the Ferguson Fire. Officials reported the fire grew by 382 acres throughout the day and was at 57,041 acres as of6 p.m. Containment is at 30 percent.

Firefighters completed about 3 miles of fire line improvement by burning fuels south along Wawona Road(Highway 41) from Henness Ridge toward Wawona Campground. This burning will continue throughout the evening and early morning.

On the north end of the fire, crews burned fire lines along the Thirteen Road toward Pilot Peak. Tuesday, firefighters intend to burn along Pilot Ridge on the Mariposa-Tuolumne county line.

Along the southern end of the fire, crews made significant gains firing lines from Roundtree Saddle toward Chowchilla Mountain Road. As a result, the evacuation of Ponderosa Basin was lifted, but remains in advisory status. Portions of El Portal also were placed in advisory status. Areas within a fire advisory have the potential of being evacuated should conditions change.

Area residents can expect to see increased smoke during the next few days as firing operations continue.Tactical firing is an effective way to reduce fuel loads while simultaneously widening or extending containment lines. It can reduce the duration and intensity of wildfires, particularly by decreasing available fuels and weakening the fire as it approaches containment lines.

July 30, 2018 at 8:51 AM

Evacuation Orders Lifted: for East Westfall Rd Area will be lifted this morning, Monday July 30, 2018 at 9am. These areas will remain under a Fire Advisement. Fire Advisement- This is an advisement only of a potential Evacuation Order should conditions change.

The East Westfall area will include all homes on East Westfall from Triangle Rd to Chowchilla Mt. Rd including all side roads.

Chowchilla Mt. Rd from Hwy 49S to East Westfall.

Fire Advisement Area Lifted: for the Vista Lago, Monte Vista & Triangle Rd from East Westfall to Hwy 49S including all side roads.

Due to the large amount of emergency equipment in the area, speed control will also be enforced.

The following roads in the area remain closed:
All road to and inside the Ponderosa Basin Subdivision

July 30, 2018 at 6:51 AM

Firefighters had a productive night with tactical firing operations as they made progress toward full suppression on the Ferguson Fire. Officials reported the fire grew by 2,178 acres overnight and was at 56,659 acres as of 6 p.m. Containment is at 30 percent.

Crews burned south along Wawona Road (Highway 41) from Henness Ridge toward Wawona Campground; they will continue, as conditions allow, until they reach Wawona Campground. Further south, firefighters mopped up two spot fires from earlier in the day and continued building containment lines around Roundtree Saddle. Once Roundtree Saddle is secure, crews will begin tactical firing toward Chowchilla Mountain and Wawona Campground.

Securing the southeast quadrant of the fire is a priority in keeping the fire from spreading into Yosemite National Park and the populated areas south of the park. These efforts will ensure Ponderosa Basin and surrounding areas are secure as well.

North of the fire crews successfully burned south from Merced Grove to provide further protection for the park’s iconic stand of giant sequoias. Firefighters will burn off of the road on Pilot Ridge along the Mariposa-Tuolumne county line today, weather permitting. Containment lines around Anderson Valley were widen in anticipation of the burns.

Residents can expect to see increased smoke during the next few days as firing operations continue. Tactical firing is an effective way to reduce fuel loads while simultaneously widening or extending containment lines. It can reduce the duration and intensity of wildfires, particularly by decreasing available fuels and weakening the fire as it approaches containment lines.

During all tactical firing operations on the Ferguson Fire, firefighters and law enforcement maintain a presence in evacuated communities to ensure home and structure safety.

Air quality is likely to decrease as a result of increased smoke from the firing operations. Residents can monitor the latest air quality and health advisories at:

· https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/YosemiteArea

· https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/SouthernSierra

Natural resource specialists will begin surveying the western side of the fire today to assess areas requiring repair and mitigation. Burned Area Emergency Response teams play an important role in rehabilitating the land after damaged from the constructing of containment lines and other suppression tactics.

Yosemite National Park closure: Yosemite National Park officials enacted closures July 25 for the Yosemite Valley and Wawona areas, as well as the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. The park is expected to reopen Aug. 3, conditions permitting. For more information, go to: nps.gov/yose or call 209-372-0200.

Mandatory Evacuations: Areas that are currently under a mandatory evacuation include:

· Anderson Valley

· Cedar Lodge/Indian Flat Campground

· East Westfall Road and all side roads

· El Portal Trailer Court

· Foresta

· Incline Road from Foresta Bridge to the last BLM campground

· Old El Portal

· Old Yosemite Road

· Ponderosa Basin Community

· Rancheria Flat – Government Housing

· Savage’s Trading Post

· Yosemite View Lodge

· Yosemite West

Advisory Evacuations: This is NOT an Evacuation Order. This is an advisement only of a potential Evacuation Order should conditions change.

· Monte Vista

· Vista Lago

· Triangle Road from East Westfall to Highway 49 South and all side roads

Road Closures:Highway 140 is closed from the entrance of Yosemite National Park to 1.5 miles east of Midpines. Incline Road, River Road from Briceburg to the gate at Railroad Flat and all campground areas along Highway 140, Foresta Road, Anderson Valley Road, Summit Road and Old Yosemite Road are closed.

Triangle Road from East Westfall Road to Highway 49 South.

Chowchilla Mountain Road at Highway 49 South, Harris Road at Highway 49 South, and all roads inside the Ponderosa Basin subdivision.

Wawona Road (Highway 41) between Chilnualna Falls Road in Wawona and Bridalveil Falls Road in Yosemite Valley.

Red Cross Shelters:

· Mariposa Elementary School, 5044 Jones St., Mariposa, CA 95338

Animal Shelters:

· Small animals: Mariposa Elementary School, 5044 Jones St., Mariposa, CA 95338

· Large animals: 5007 Fairgrounds Road, Mariposa, CA 95338

July 29, 2018 at 8:43 PM

Brian Hughes, captain of the Arrowhead Interagency Hotshots out of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, died today in the line of duty on the Ferguson Fire. The fatal incident occurred earlier this morning. Hughes, 33, and his crew were operating in a complex area when he was struck by a tree. He was treated on scene, but passed away before he could be transported to a hospital.

Firefighters spent the day mopping up hot spots, containing a minor fire that slopped over a containment line near Eagle Peak, and preparing for nighttime tactical burning. Officials reported the fire grew by 835 acres throughout the day and was at 54,481 acres as of 6 p.m. Containment is at 30 percent.

Firefighters will conduct nighttime tactical firing operations when humidity levels, temperatures and winds are more favorable. Crews will fire lines further south along Wawona Road (Highway 41) from Henness Ridge toward Wawona Campground. Further south, crews secured containment lines around Roundtree Saddles and prepped containment lines for upcoming firing operations toward Chowchilla Mountain and Wawona Campground.

Securing the southeast quadrant of the fire is a priority in keeping the fire from spreading into Yosemite National Park and the more populated areas south of the park.

Firefighters completed firing near the Ferguson rockslide the previous night along the fire’s northwestern corner. Crews will fire from Merced Grove tonight. Firefighters had widened containment lines around Anderson Valley last night in anticipation of the burns.

Residents can expect to see increased smoke during the next few days as these firing operations continue. Tactical firing is an effective way to reduce fuel loads while simultaneously widening or extending containment lines. It can reduce the duration and intensity of wildfires, particularly by decreasing available fuels as the fire approaches containment lines.

During all tactical firing operations on the Ferguson Fire, firefighters and law enforcement maintain a presence in evacuated communities to ensure homes and structures remain safe.

Air quality is likely to decrease as a result of increased smoke from the firing operations. Residents can monitor the latest air quality and health advisories at:

· https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/YosemiteArea

· https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/SouthernSierra

Yosemite National Park closure: Yosemite National Park officials enacted closures July 25 for the Yosemite Valley and Wawona areas, as well as the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. The park is expected to reopen Aug. 3, conditions permitting. For information on Yosemite National Park, go to: nps.gov/yose or call 209-372-0200.

Mandatory Evacuations: Areas that are currently under a mandatory evacuation include:

· Anderson Valley

· Cedar Lodge/Indian Flat Campground

· East Westfall Road and all side roads

· El Portal Trailer Court

· Foresta

· Incline Road from Foresta Bridge to the last BLM campground

· Old El Portal

· Old Yosemite Road

· Ponderosa Basin Community

· Rancheria Flat – Government Housing

· Savage’s Trading Post

· Yosemite View Lodge

· Yosemite West

Advisory Evacuations: This is NOT an Evacuation Order. This is an advisement only of a potential Evacuation Order should conditions change.

· Monte Vista

· Vista Lago

· Triangle Road from East Westfall to Highway 49 South and all side roads

Road Closures:Highway 140 is closed from the entrance of Yosemite National Park to 1.5 miles east of Midpines. Incline Road, River Road from Briceburg to the gate at Railroad Flat and all campground areas along Highway 140, Foresta Road, Anderson Valley Road, Summit Road and Old Yosemite Road are closed.

Triangle Road from East Westfall Road to Highway 49 South.

Chowchilla Mountain Road at Highway 49 South, Harris Road at Highway 49 South, and all roads inside the Ponderosa Basin subdivision.

Wawona Road (Highway 41) between Chilnualna Falls Road in Wawona and Bridalveil Falls Road in Yosemite Valley.

Red Cross Shelters:

· Mariposa Elementary School, 5044 Jones St., Mariposa, CA 95338

Animal Shelters:

· Small animals: Mariposa Elementary School, 5044 Jones St., Mariposa, CA 95338

· Large animals: 5007 Fairgrounds Road, Mariposa, CA 95338

July 29, 2018 at 11:58 AM

Evacuation orders for Vista Lago & Monte Vista will be lifted this evening, Sunday July 29, 2018 at 12:00pm. These areas will remain under a Fire Advisement.

Fire Advisement- This is an advisement only of a potential Evacuation Order should conditions change.

Due to the large amount of emergency equipment in the area, speed control will also be enforced.

The above listed locations will be open to residents only. Residents will only be allowed to enter through the ENTRY POINT at Triangle Rd and Darrah Rd. Please use either Triangle Rd from Hwy 140 to the intersection at Darrah or Darrah Rd from Highway 49S to the Triangle intersection.

Please have your identification / proof of residency ready to show at the Entry Point.

July 29, 2018 at 10:12 AM

As firefighters work toward full suppression of the Ferguson Fire, they maintained containment lines while using tactical firing operations throughout the night. The Ferguson Fire grew 1,975 acres overnight for a total of 53,646 acres as of 6 a.m. Containment is at 30 percent.

Conditions allowed firefighters to complete firing between Henness Ridge southeast to Highway 41/Wawona Road. Further south, crews completed firing from Footman Ridge southeast to Roundtree Saddle. Along the western perimeter, firefighters fired off Soapstone Ridge east toward the fire.

Tactical firing is an effective way to reduce fuel loads while simultaneously widening or extending containment lines. It can reduce the duration and intensity of wildfires, particularly by robbing the fire of available fuels as it approaches containment lines.

During all tactical firing operations on the Ferguson Fire, firefighters and law enforcement maintain a presence in evacuated communities to ensure homes and structures remain safe.

Residents can expect to see smoke plumes throughout the day as tactical firing operations continue, particularly east of the fire along Highway 41/Wawona Road and south around Roundtree Saddle and toward Wawona Campground.

Air quality is likely to decrease as a result of increased smoke from the firing operations. Residents can monitor the latest air quality and health advisories at:

· https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/YosemiteArea

· https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/SouthernSierra

Yosemite National Park closure: Yosemite National Park officials enacted closures Wednesday for the Yosemite Valley and Wawona areas, as well as the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. The park is expected to reopen Aug. 3, conditions permitting. For information on Yosemite National Park, go to: nps.gov/yose or call 209-372-0200.

Mandatory Evacuations: Areas that are currently under a mandatory evacuation include:

· Anderson Valley

· Cedar Lodge/Indian Flat Campground

· East Westfall Road and all side roads

· El Portal Trailer Court

· Foresta

· Incline Road from Foresta Bridge to the last BLM campground

· Old El Portal

· Old Yosemite Road

· Ponderosa Basin Community

· Rancheria Flat – Government Housing

· Savage’s Trading Post

· Yosemite View Lodge

· Yosemite West

Advisory Evacuations: This is NOT an Evacuation Order. This is an advisement only of a potential Evacuation Order should conditions change.

· Triangle Road from East Westfall to Highway 49 South and all side roads

Road Closures:Highway 140 is closed from the entrance of Yosemite National Park to 1.5 miles east of Midpines. Incline Road, River Road from Briceburg to the gate at Railroad Flat and all campground areas along Highway 140, Foresta Road, Anderson Valley Road, Summit Road and Old Yosemite Road are closed.

Triangle Road from East Westfall Road to Highway 49 South.

Chowchilla Mountain Road at Highway 49 South, Harris Road at Highway 49 South, and all roads inside the Ponderosa Basin subdivision.

Wawona Road (Highway 41) between Chilnualna Falls Road in Wawona and Bridalveil Falls Road in Yosemite Valley.

Red Cross Shelters:

· Mariposa Elementary School, 5044 Jones St., Mariposa, CA 95338

Animal Shelters:

· Small animals: Mariposa Elementary School, 5044 Jones St., Mariposa, CA 95338

· Large animals: 5007 Fairgrounds Road, Mariposa, CA 95338

July 28, 2018 at 8:52 PM

Due to continuing firefighting operations along the Wawona Road, the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and the Wawona Road (Highway 41) from the South Entrance of Yosemite National Park to Tunnel View will remain closed until further notice. For information on Yosemite National Park, go to: nps.gov/yose or call 209-372-0200.

Evacuation orders for the Lushmeadows Subdivision have been lifted. These areas remain under a Fire Advisement.

The Ferguson Fire now in its 16th day, started July 13 on the Sierra National Forest and is managed under unified command between the United States Forest Service, California Interagency Incident Management Team 4, CALFIRE and the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office. Much of the fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain with little to no access roads. Mandatory and advisory evacuations are in place in several areas but no homes have been damaged or destroyed.

Evacuation orders for Triangle Road area will be lifted this evening, Saturday July 28, 2018 at 7:00pm. These areas will remain under a Fire Advisement. Fire Advisement- This is an advisement only of a potential Evacuation Order should conditions change. The Triangle area includes the following locations:

Triangle Road from East Westfall to Hwy 49S Triangle Park Road

Falling Acorn Dr Stellers Jay

Due to the large amount of emergency equipment in the area, speed control will also be enforced.

The above listed locations will be open to residents only. Residents will only be allowed to enter through the ENTRY POINT at Triangle Rd and Darrah Rd. Please use either Triangle Rd from Hwy 140 to the intersection at Darrah or Darrah Rd from Highway 49S to the Triangle intersection.

Please have your identification / proof of residency ready to show at the Entry Point.

The following areas remain closed due to fire activity:

Monte Vista Lane

Vista Lago Lane

East Westfall Rd and all side roads

Ponderosa Basin Subdivision

Road Closures in the area:

Triangle Rd from East Westfall to Hwy 49s.

Monte Vista Lane

Vista Lago Lane

East Westfall Road and all side road

General Information

Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office will have a heavy presence in the area to ensure the security and safety of residents and businesses.

There will still be smoke in the respective areas as firefighters continue firefighting operations. If at anytime you feel unsafe, please call 911. For questions or concerns regarding power, please contact PG&E at 800-743-5000 or visit their website at www.pge.com The Mariposa County Health Department has health and safety information for residents returning to their homes on our website at http://www.mariposacounty.org/health or call 209-966-3689. Mariposa County Public Works will be at Lushmeadows Store from 10am- 3pm providing FREE residential spoiled food waste. Mariposa County Health and Human Services will be available to assist residents with gaining additional services. Additional information regarding these and other services is available at www.mariposacountyrecovers.org SAFETY MESSAGE – The public is reminded to stay vigilant on current fire conditions. Please continue to adhere to road closures and any evacuation warnings. If you see electrical wires on the ground, stay clear and contact PG&E immediately. Trees and poles with deep charring, particularly if still smoking, should be considered hazardous. Please drive slowly and yield to emergency personnel in the area. As you re-enter your property and evaluate damage, be aware that hazardous conditions may exist, particularly if a residence or out-building has burned. Hazards may include asbestos, heavy metals, by-products of plastic combustion and various other chemicals. We encourage the public to remain prepared year-round for wildfires by visiting the www.readyforwildfire.org website. The best show of support is having your home and property “fire-ready.”

July 27, 2018 at 10:37 PM

With indirect containment lines around the fire nearing completion, firefighters looked for terrain and conditions favorable to more directly contain the Ferguson Fire. Officials reported a 764-acre growth in the fire for to a total of 46,675 acres as of 6 p.m. Containment is at 29 percent.

Crews along the western perimeter worked on extinguishing isolated hot spots inside the fire line. To the north, firefighters explored whether new containment lines could be constructed closer to the fire’s perimeter by linking a network of roads with hand and dozer lines.

On the east side, firefighters completed firing operations from Henness Ridge to the Merced River. Aircraft also deployed incendiary devices to burn pockets of vegetation between the containment line and the fire’s perimeter. Further east, crews worked to link contingency containment lines between the burn scars from the 2017 Empire and South Fork Fires.

To the south, firefighters constructed containment lines more closely to the edge of the fire that had jumped an containment line a few days earlier. Crews also worked to prep the area between Round Tree Saddle and Chowchilla Mountain Road for future tactical firing operations.

July 27, 2018 at 2:32 PM

Mariposa County Sheriff: As we look towards the re-population of our current evacuated areas, residents should watch for important notifications regarding re-population areas, times and entry points.

Many times the evacuation process goes in phases; meaning one house, one block or one street at a time. Due to extensive fire suppression traffic in and around the evacuated area, re-population traffic is often routed to different entry points for both citizen and fire fighter safety.

These times and locations will be part of the repopulation notification sent by the Sheriff’s Office.

The Ferguson Fire is under Unified Command with US Forest Service, CAL FIRE, and the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office. For information about the fire please call 530-377-6221.

July 27, 2018 at 7:35 AM

While weather conditions were conducive around much of the Ferguson Fire for firefighters to shore up and expand containment lines, an evening wind shift posed a potential challenge to an already challenging section of the fire. By morning, officials reported a 1,688-acre growth in the fire overnight for to a total of 45,911 acres as of 6 a.m. Containment, however, rose to 29 percent.

Crews along the western perimeter worked on isolated hot spots inside the fire line. To the north, firefighters improved upon existing containment lines, with plans to scout out potential containment lines closer to the fire’s edge during daylight hours. While on the east side, firefighters continued with firing operations to remove available fuels between the fire and the communities of Yosemite West and El Portal.

To the south, crews worked in steep terrain to widen and extend constructed containment lines designed to redirect fire that had jumped existing lines two days prior. Whereas daytime winds out of the southwest aided firefighters’ efforts by directing the fire back into its original perimeter, a forecasted shift to winds blowing out of the north would redirect flames toward the firefighters and the newly constructed containment lines.

Winds made a noticeable shift out of the north around 8 p.m., but mild wind speeds coupled with increased nighttime humidity limited the fire’s progression. Crews meanwhile were successful in building additional contingency lines for added protection to nearby communities.

Firefighters will expand on these efforts today as a persistent inversion layer is expected to shield the fire from excessively high temperatures, while winds are expected to return out of the west-southwest.

Yosemite National Park closure: Yosemite National Park officials enacted closures Wednesday for the Yosemite Valley and Wawona areas, as well as the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. For information on Yosemite National Park, go to: nps.gov/yose or call 209-372-0200.

Community Meeting: Representatives from the U.S. Forest Service, CAL FIRE and Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office met with residents during a community meeting at 6 p.m. today at Tenaya Elementary School in Groveland.

Mandatory Evacuations: Areas that are currently under a mandatory evacuation include:

· Anderson Valley

· Cedar Lodge/Indian Flat Campground

· East Westfall Road to Chowchilla Mountain Road, and all side roads

· El Portal Trailer Court

· Foresta

· Incline Road from Foresta Bridge to the last BLM campground

· Lushmeadows Community

· Old El Portal

· Old Yosemite Road

· Ponderosa Basin Community

· Rancheria Flat – Government Housing

· Savage’s Trading Post

· Tip Top Road from Triangle Road to Gunther Road, including Gunther Road

· Triangle Road from Darrah Road in the Lushmeadows area to Highway 49 South, and all side roads

· Yosemite View Lodge

· Yosemite West

Advisory Evacuations: This is NOT an Evacuation Order. This is an advisement only of a potential Evacuation Order should conditions change.

· Darrah Road from Triangle Road to Sherrod Road

· East side of Highway 49 South from Darrah Road to Triangle Road. This includes Boyer Road, Woodland Area, Wass Road and Tip Top Road.

· Mariposa Pines/Jerseydale Road

· Highway 49 South from Stumpfield Mountain Road to the Mariposa-Madera County Line, including Kemble Road, Stumpfield Mountain Road and Watt Road

· Triangle Road from Jerseydale Road to Highway 49 South, including all side roads.

Road Closures: Highway 140 is closed from the entrance of Yosemite National Park to 1.5 miles east of Midpines. Incline Road, River Road from Briceburg to the gate at Railroad Flat and all Campground areas along Highway 140 closed. Hites Cove/Jerseydale Road, Foresta Road, Anderson Valley Road, Summit Road and Old Yosemite Road.

Triangle Road from Darrah Road to Highway 49 South; East Westfall Road.

Chowchilla Mountain Road at Highway 49 South, Harris Road at Highway 49 South, Tip Top Road from Triangle Road to Gunther Road, all roads inside the Lushmeadows subdivision, and all roads inside the Ponderosa Basin subdivision.

Wawona Road (Highway 41) between Chilnualna Falls Road in Wawona and Bridalveil Falls Road in Yosemite Valley.

Red Cross Shelters:

· Mariposa Elementary School, 5044 Jones St., Mariposa, CA 95338

July 26, 2018 at 7:01 PM

Firefighters took advantage of calm winds and hazy skies from a persistent inversion layer to widen containment lines through tactical firing operations. The Ferguson Fire grew 924 acres throughout the day to a total of 44,223 acres as of 6 p.m. Containment is at 27 percent.

Firefighters burned vegetation from containment lines back toward the fire to expand buffers around the communities of Yosemite West and El Portal along the fire’s northeast perimeter. Meanwhile, favorable conditions and light winds out of the southwest helped firefighters redirect uncontained fire back toward the southern perimeter’s containment lines. Crews also patrolled containment lines and laid hoses around the community of Wawona southeast of the fire.

Along the north perimeter of the fire, bulldozers and firefighters worked on completing open sections of containment line from Montgomery Ridge east to Pilot Peak and down to Eagle Creek. Crews continue exploring terrain closer to the fire’s edge for opportunities to take a direct attack on the fire.

Containment lines along the western perimeter were holding well. A three-acre spot fire crossed over the containment line outside of Jerseydale, but crews were able to quickly suppress it.

The next community meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, July 27, at Tenaya Elementary School in Groveland.

July 26, 2018 at 7:55 AM

Firefighters worked through the night to expand and strengthen containment lines around the Ferguson Fire. The fire grew by 1,723 acres overnight to a total of 43,299 acres as of 6 a.m. Containment is at 27 percent.

Firefighters and bulldozers worked through the night improving and expanding containment lines, particularly near Magoon Creek, to isolate the spread of a fire that had slopped over an existing containment line the previous morning along the fire’s southern perimeter.

Along the north edge of the fire, bulldozers and firefighters completed a containment line from the Five Corners area to Pilot Peak. Meanwhile crews worked to dig a containment line from the boundary of the Stanislaus National Forest to the fire’s perimeter.

Crews were successful in completing containment lines around the community of Wanona along the fire’s east side. Firing operations expanded the width of the containment line protecting the community of El Portal to more than 500 feet in some areas.

While some residents were allowed to return to their homes in portions of Jerseydale and Mariposa Pines southwest of the fire, crews continued patrolling structures and monitoring containment lines within areas still under evacuation.

Structures threatened: 5,236

Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office will have a heavy presence in the area to ensure the security and safety of residents and businesses. Due to the large amount of emergency equipment in the area, speed control will also be enforced.

There will still be smoke in the respective areas as firefighters continue firefighting operations. If at anytime you feel unsafe, please call 911.

For questions or concerns regarding power, please contact PG&E at 800-743-5000 or visit their website at www.pge.com

The Mariposa County Health Department has health and safety information for residents returning to their homes on our website at http://www.mariposacounty.org/health or call 209-966-3689.

Mariposa County Public Works will be at upper Best Rd and Scott Rd from 10am- 3pm providing  FREE residential spoiled food waste.

Mariposa County Health and Human Services will be available to assist residents with gaining additional services. Additional information regarding these and other services is available at
www.mariposacountyrecovers.org

July 24, 2018 at 6:36 AM

The fire is 36,587 acres with 25% containment. 3,311 personnel are currently engaged on the fire which includes 194 engines, 45 water tenders, 16 helicopters, 91 crews, and 52 dozers. There has been 1 fatality and 6 injuries to date.

Today at 11:00 a.m., the Unified Commanders, CAL FIRE, US Forest Service and Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office, will host a community meeting to discuss the current Ferguson Fire situation. Officials will present an overview of the current status of the fire and actions being taken to stop its spread. Current maps of the fire will be available, as well as other handouts. Officials will be available to answer questions. Meeting will take place at the Yosemite Valley Auditorium 9035 Village Drive Yosemite National Park, CA 95389. Parking is available along Village Drive or in the Yosemite Village Parking Area.

July 23, 2018 at 7:32 AM

Firefighters are making good progress building lines to help contain the 33,743-acre Ferguson Fire. The fire is 13% contained and one nonresidential structure has been reported destroyed but dozens more have been saved because of the efforts of crews throughout the fire area.

North of the Merced River, the fire is burning on the Stanislaus National Forest and fire managers are using a mix of heavy equipment and hand crews to widen roads and build lines in the Montgomery Gulch area. Line construction is progressing east toward Eagle Peak and Buena Vista. To the south, the fire continues to burn in the Chowchilla area and indirect-line construction is moving forward to protect Wawona and Yosemite National Park. Aerial firefighting resources including a pair of DC-10 tanker planes and a fleet of helicopters have been utilized to slow the fire’s spread.

Along the western edge, firefighters have had great success protecting structures in Jerseydale and are mopping up areas on the edge of the fire to ensure the fire remains within containment lines. Strategic firing operations along the Sweetwater drainage are complete and have provided even more protection for communities to the west.

Weather forecasts are calling for hotter and drier air throughout the week as conditions align for critical and extreme fire weather in the coming days.

Yosemite National Park remains open. For information on Yosemite National Park, go to: nps.gov/yose
or call 209-372-0200.

Mandatory Evacuations: Areas that are currently under a mandatory evacuation include:

· Incline Road from Foresta Bridge to the last BLM campground

· Jerseydale/ Mariposa Pines

· Cedar Lodge/ Indian Flat Campground

· Savage’s Trading Post

· Sweetwater Ridge

· El Portal Trailer Court

• Rancheria Flat – Government Housing

• Old El Portal

• Yosemite View Lodge

• Foresta

• Yosemite West

• Anderson Valley

• Old Yosemite Road

Advisory Evacuations: This is NOT an Evacuation Order. This is an advisement only of a potential Evacuation Order should conditions change.

• Lushmeadows Community

• Ponderosa Basin Community

• Triangle Road from Jerseydale Road to Highway 49 South including all side roads.

• Darrah Road from Triangle to Sherrod Road.

• East side of Highway 49 South from Darrah Road to Harris Road – This includes Boyer Road, Woodland Area, Wass Road, Tip Top Road.

Evacuation Center(s): New Life Christian Fellowship: 5089 Cole Road, Mariposa, CA 95338.

Road Closures: Highway 140 is closed from the entrance of Yosemite National Park to 1.5 miles West of Midpines. Incline Road, River Road from Briceburg to the gate at Railroad Flat and all Campground areas along Highway 140 closed. Hites Cove / Jerseydale Road, Foresta Road, Anderson Valley Road and Old Yosemite Road.

Animal Shelters: Small animals: SPCA of Mariposa County 5599 California 49, Mariposa, CA 95338 Large animals: 5007 Fairgrounds Road, Mariposa, CA 95338.

July 22, 2018 at 7:04 PM

The fire is 32,484 acres with 6% containment. 3,066 personnel are currently engaged on the fire which includes 199 engines, 46 water tenders, 16 helicopters, 66 crews, and 43 dozers. There has been 1 fatality and 6 injuries to date.

As the fire moved north toward the Montgomery Gulch and Anderson Valley areas, the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office issued a Mandatory Evacuation Order for residents of Old Yosemite Road in Groveland.

Firefighters continued their defense of structures in the Jerseydale area and mop up work along the fire’s edge were safe to do so. Crews continued to strengthen the line that runs from El Portal southeast toward Wawona Road and Yosemite National Park with additional hose lays in preparation for future burnout operations.

Firing operations in that area were planned for Sunday’s day shift but were halted because of adverse weather conditions.

The night shift will pick up where day crews left off by building indirect line east on Henness Ridge and crews are prepared to use these lines for firing operations when conditions become favorable.

North of the Merced River, resources will improve direct line that is anchored in to the Merced River on the west side. Indirect line construction will continue, utilizing the Stanislaus National Forest road system where available.

South of the Merced River, firing operations from Sweetwater Ridge to the Merced River should be concluded. Mop up following firing operations will continue to strengthen control line on the west side of the fire.

The southeastern corner of the fire will continue to burn in the timbered areas of Granite Ridge, toward the Chowchilla Mountains. Resources have coordinated with Yosemite National Park to identify areas to establish indirect control lines.

July 22, 2018 at 3:39 PM

A Mandatory Evacuation has been issued for: Old Yosemite Rd

At this time there are no Evacuation Orders or Advisements in the Greeley Hill or Coulterville Communities.

Please drive with caution and watch for responding emergency traffic.

July 22, 2018 at 6:52 AM

The Ferguson Fire was active along most every front Saturday as it grew to 30,493 acres and fire crews worked to bolster lines and keep containment to 6%. Most of the new completed line is in the Jerseydale area.

Firefighters attempted a direct attack on the portion of the fire on the Stanislaus National Forest but terrain and fire behavior forced them to back off midday as conditions grew too dangerous to safely engage. Crews have scouted and planned to use the road system around the Soapstone Ridge/Ned Gulch vicinity as their holding line.

Crews also worked to install hose lays throughout the northwest and west containment lines to provide direct and indirect protection to El Portal and Yosemite West. Burnout operations within the Sweetwater Creek area have been successful and continue to progress.

The weather will get warmer and drier in the coming days but most of the fire activity and behavior is dominated by the thick fuels and rugged topography found in the area.

July 21, 2018 at 2:00 PM

Mandatory Evacuation Order for Anderson Valley

At this time there are no Evacuation Orders or Advisement in the Greeley Hill or Coulterville Communities.

Please drive with caution and watch for responding emergency traffic.

RED CROSS SHELTER: New Life Christian Church located at 5089 Cole Rd in Mariposa

If you need assistance with large animal evacuation please call the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office at 209-966-3615

July 21, 2018 at 9:45 AM

A mandatory evacuation order has been issued for Yosemite West.

Please evacuate as soon as possible.

Please drive with caution and watch for responding emergency traffic.

RED CROSS SHELTER:
New Life Christian Church located at 5089 Cole Rd in Mariposa

If you need assistance with large animal evacuation please call the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office at 209-966-3615.

July 21, 2018 at 8:29 AM

The Ferguson Fire grew more than 2,500 acres throughout the day and into the night hours Friday as the inversion layer lifted and fire activity increased in many areas of the fire’s footprint.

The bulk of the increased acreage came north of Highway 140 near Ned’s Gulch where the unstable atmosphere helped the fire spot over the road and the Merced River. Both air and ground resources engaged the new fires early but were unable to make headway in the steep, rugged terrain. The portion of the fire north of the river is estimated at 2,000 acres.

Firefighters will scout out the area north of 140 to find the best ground to make a stand and stop the spread of the new spot fire.

Crews continued to make progress on building line from El Portal southeast to the Wawona Road and much of the line is complete and lined with hose lays in preparation for tactical firing operations.

Along the western edge of the Ferguson Fire, firefighters continued to hold the line around Jerseydale and made progress mopping up some of the remaining hot spots and smoldering embers in that area and will continue to do so.

Yosemite National Park remains open. For information on Yosemite National Park, go to:
nps.gov/yose or call 209-372-0200

Mandatory Evacuations: Areas that are currently under a mandatory evacuation include:

• Incline Road from Foresta Bridge to the last BLM campground

• Jerseydale/ Mariposa Pines

• Cedar Lodge/ Indian Flat Campground

• Savage’s Trading Post

• Sweetwater Ridge

• El Portal Trailer Court

• Rancheria Flat – Government Housing

• Old El Portal

• Yosemite View Lodge

• Foresta

Advisory Evacuations: This is NOT an Evacuation Order. This is an advisement only of a potential Evacuation Order should conditions change.

• Yosemite West

• Lushmeadows Community

• Ponderosa Basin Community

• Triangle Rd. from Jeresydale Rd. to Highway 49 South including all side roads.

• Darrah Rd. from Triangle to Sherrod Rd.

• East side of Hwy 49S from Darrah Rd. to Harris Rd.- This includes Boyer Rd., Woodland Area, Wass Rd. Tip Top Rd.

Evacuation Center(s): New Life Christian Fellowship: 5089 Cole Rd, Mariposa, CA 95338. Yosemite Valley Elementary School: 9009 Lost Arrow Road, Yosemite NP, 95389.

Road Closures: Highway 140 is closed from the entrance of Yosemite National Park to 1.5 miles West of Midpines. Incline Road, River Road from Briceburg to the gate at Railroad Flat and all Campground areas along Highway 140 closed. Hites Cove / Jerseydale Road.

Animal Shelters: Small animals: SPCA of Mariposa County 5599 California 49, Mariposa, CA 95338

Large animals 5007 Fairgrounds Road, Mariposa, CA 95338.

July 20, 2018 at 7:48 PM

The Ferguson Fire is burning in very rough terrain with high firefighter exposure due to very hot conditions and limited access requiring heavy rotor wing support. Prior to the Rough Fire, this river canyon held the record for the largest fire on the Sierra NF which burned in 1924.

As of July 20, 2018, the fire is 24,450 acres with 7% containment. 2,832 personnel are currently engaged on the fire which includes 204 engines, 38 water tenders, 17 helicopters, 70 crews, and 40 dozers.

July 20, 2018 at 7:08 PM

A MANDATORY EVACUATION has been issued for the

Old El Portal
Rancheria Flat- Government Housing
Foresta
Yosemite View Lodge

Please evacuate as soon as possible.

Highway 140 West to Mariposa remains closed. Residents will need to use Highway 140 through Yosemite to exit the area. Please drive with caution and watch for responding emergency traffic.

RED CROSS CENTER:
Yosemite Valley Elementary School
9009 Lost Arrow Rd, Yosemite Natl Pk, CA 95389

RED CROSS SHELTER:
New Life Christian Church located at 5089 Cole Rd in Mariposa

July 20, 2018 at 10:43 AM

A Fire Advisement has been issued for the following locations:

Foresta Community

This is NOT an Evacuation Order. This is an advisement only of a POTENTIAL Evacuation Order should conditions change.

Highway 140 remains closed from El Portal Rd to 1.4 miles East of Midpines.

Should this area become under a Mandatory Evacuation Order you will be notified via the Sheriff’s Office Emergency Alert System by Text, Email and a Voice Call, the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page and door to door communication by Sheriff’s Office staff. At that time you will be notified of the best routes of travel to safely evacuate your residence.

A Red Cross Shelter is currently at the New Life Christian Church located at 5089 Cole Rd Mariposa.

July 20, 2018 at 9:35 AM

The fire was active overnight, particularly along Highway 140 near El Portal, along Pinoche Ridge, and on its southeastern corner. Crews working along the highway continued to bring fire slowly to the road, successfully strengthening lines on the South side of the Merced River. The fire has remained on the South side of the river. They worked on the primary containment line on the West side of the fire along Henness Ridge; it is line is expected to be completed today. Firefighters working on “indirect” lines (built away from the fires active edge) around the community of Jerseydale also made good progress overnight. As of 6:00 A.M. on July 20, 2018, no structures have been damaged or destroyed by the Ferguson Fire.

Firefighters will work today to complete indirect lines and to monitor and take suppression action as the fire approaches the Highway 140 corridor and the communities of Yosemite West and Jerseydale. They will also scout opportunities for containment of the Southeastern side of the fire, where terrain and lack of roads make access difficult.

Thunderstorms remain in the forecast for the next few days, which can produce gusty outflow winds.

July 20, 2018 at 8:00 AM

The fire remained active overnight along SR 140, west of Pinoche Ridge, and on its southeastern corner (Granite Ridge.) Firing operations continued in 3 divisions to protect structures and secure fireline.

Road Closures:

Hwy 140 is closed from 1.9 miles east of Midpines to the Cedar Lodge area MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE AN ALTERNATE ROUTE

Mandatory Evacuations:

Areas that are currently under a mandatory evacuation include: El Portal Trailer Court, Incline Rd from Clearing House to the last BLM campground; Jerseydale/ Mariposa Pines; Cedar Lodge/ Indian Flat Campground, Savage’s Trading Post and Sweetwater Ridge.

Incline Rd from Clearing House to the Foresta Bridge

Evacuation Advisory:

This is NOT an Evacuation Order. This is an advisement only of a potential Evacuation Order should conditions change.

• Yosemite West

• Lushmeadows Community

• Ponderosa Basin Community

• Triangle Rd from Jerseydale Rd to Hwy 49 South including all side roads.

• Darrah Rd from Triangle to Sherrod Rd

• East side of Hwy 49S from Darrah Rd to Harris Rd- This includes Boyer Rd, Woodland Area, Wass Rd, Tip Top Rd

• National Park Service El Portal Complex

• Rancheria Flat- Government Housing

• Old El Portal

Evacuation Center: New Life Christian Fellowship, 5089 Cole Rd, Mariposa, CA 95338

Closures:

Highway 140 is closed from Abbie Rd in El Portal to 14 miles north of Mariposa. Incline Rd, River Road from Briceburg to the gate at Railroad Flat and all Campground areas closed. Hites Cove / Jerseydale Rd.

The Unified Commanders, US Forest Service, CAL FIRE, and Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office, along with the National Park Service will be hosting a community meeting to discuss the current situation of the Ferguson Fire. Officials will be giving a briefing highlighting the current actions that firefighters are taking on the fire. Current maps of the fire will be available, as well as other handouts. Additionally, agency officials will also be available to answer questions.
DATE: 7/20/18
TIME: 6:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M.
WHERE: Mariposa County Fairgrounds – Building A 5007 Fairgrounds Rd. Mariposa, CA 95338
NOTES: Please arrive early as the meeting will start promptly at 6:30 p.m. If you have questions about the meeting, please call the Ferguson Fire Info Line (530) 377-6221. The community meeting will be live streamed via Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mariposacountysheriff/
To sign up for the Mariposa Sheriff’s Office Emergency Alert System visit: https://local.nixle.com/register/

July 19, 2018 at 2:45 PM

A MANDATORY EVACUATION has been issued for the El Portal Trailer Court. Please evacuate as soon as possible.
Highway 140 West to Mariposa remains closed. Residents will need to use Highway 140 through Yosemite to exit to access the Red Cross Shelter. Please drive with caution and watch for responding emergency traffic.

Mariposa County Sheriff’s Personnel will be making door to door notice to each residence in the area.

RED CROSS CENTER:
New Life Christian Church located at 5089 Cole Rd in Mariposa

If you need assistance with large animal evacuation please call the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office at 209-966-3615

If you require assistance with evacuation transportation due to special needs or medical issues, please contact Human Services toll free at 1-833-423-0816 as soon as possible.

July 19, 2018 at 7:54 AM

The fire showed moderate growth overnight. Crews worked late to strengthen line around Jerseydale, along Sweetwater Ridge, and to complete containment lines along Highway 140 at Cold Canyon. The fire continued to back West into Sweetwater Creek, North onto Ferguson Ridge, and north toward Highway 140. It backed toward Jerseydale, slowly consuming hazardous fuels. As of 6:00 A.M. on July 19, no structures have been damaged or destroyed by the Ferguson Fire.

Today, crews will continue to build and improve “indirect” lines (containment lines placed ahead of the fires active edge) along Sweetwater Ridge and from Highway 140 Southeast to the Wawona Road (continuation of Highway 41 in Yosemite National Park) along Henness Ridge. They will again be present in the community of Jerseydale/ Mariposa Pines, working on indirect lines to protect the community.

The chance of thunderstorms is predicted to increase today. Thunderstorms can produce erratic winds, causing the fire to change direction quickly and unexpectedly. This is especially dangerous for firefighters working on constructing indirect containment lines as a sudden shift in wind can cause fuel between them and the fireline to burn.

Yosemite National Park remains open. For information on Yosemite National Park, go to nps.gov/yose or call 209-372-0200.

July 18, 2018 at 9:23 AM

The Unified Commanders, CAL FIRE, US Forest Service and Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office, will be hosting a community meeting to discuss the current situation of the Ferguson Fire. Officials will be giving an operational briefing highlighting the current actions that firefighters are taking on the fire. Current maps of the fire will be available, as well as other handouts. Additionally, officials will be available to answer questions.

DATE: 7/18/18 TIME: 4:00 P.M.
WHERE: El Portal Community Hall 5512 Foresta Rd. El Portal, CA 95318

NOTES: Please arrive early as the meeting will start promptly at 4:00 p.m.

Highway 140 remains closed. You can access El Portal and the Community Meeting by using Highway 41 or Highway 120.

July 18, 2018 at 7:34 AM

The fire was fairly quiet overnight, with activity picking up in the area around Sweetwater Creek shortly before dawn. The fire is now established in the bottom of Sweetwater Creek.Crews worked overnight on securing line around Cedar Lodge and Indian Flat. The power line has been completed, and power has been restored to the area. Work also continued on containment lines protecting the communities of Jerseydale/ Mariposa Pines and Yosemite West.

Today, crews will continue to monitor and mop up in the areas around Cedar Lodge, Indian Flat, and Cold Canyon. They will begin contingency line construction up Pinoche Ridge from the Merced River, improve dozer and handlines around Yosemite West and Jerseydale, and take suppression action to keep the fire East of Snyder Ridge. They will also use aerial resources to try to keep the fire on top of Ferguson Ridge when conditions permit.

Weather today is predicted to be hot and dry, and the smoke inversion is again expected to stay over the area until mid- to late- afternoon. Monsoonal moisture is expected to start pushing in from the South, and some thunderstorm buildup can be expected over the Sierra Crest by late afternoon. Thunderstorms can produce gusty, erratic winds, causing hazards to firefighters.

July 17, 2018 at 8:11 PM

Today firefighters continued to focus on structure protection in the areas around El Portal, Yosemite West, and Jerseydale/Mariposa Pines. They successfully kept the fire on the South side of the Merced River and Highway 140. The fire grew primarily to the South and East, with the majority of the growth occurring in the late afternoon as the inversion lifted. The fire continues to back down Ferguson Ridge, into the Sweetwater Creek drainage, and behind Cedar Lodge. Crews are working 24 hours a day to scout and build firelines in places with the greatest probability of success.

With a high-pressure system firmly in place over the West, smoke dispersal was minimal, hampering firefighting aircraft until late afternoon. Hot, dry conditions and steep terrain will continue to challenge firefighters. Currently no structures have been reported damaged or destroyed in the Ferguson Fire.

Power has been interrupted to residences and businesses along the El Portal area and Yosemite West area.

July 17, 2018 at 9:50 AM

Smoke from the Ferguson Fire is impacting the Mariposa County Air Pollution Control District. Smoke Levels are in the HAZARDOUS range in some areas but is expected to clear by midday. AQI information shown below is based on the levels recorded this AM. Your current local conditions could vary.

July 17, 2018 at 7:25 AM

Residences and businesses in the State Route 140 corridor continue to be impacted. As the fire continues to move East and South, it will continue to threaten residences in the Jerseydale, Mariposa Pines, Clearing House and Incline areas. Fire crews are fighting the fire aggressively. Very steep terrain makes it difficult to insert crews in certain areas of the fire. Management Action Points have been established to provide the highest level of protection to both the public and firefighters and other emergency responders. The closure of State Route 140 at Mariposa continues to close the Western entrance to Yosemite National Park. Power lines that provide electric service to the Yosemite Valley were re-energized today restoring some service East of the fire including Yosemite National Park.

The fire continues to spread South and East toward Jerseydale, Mariposa Pines, and Yosemite West.

Aircraft utilization has been limited due to a strong inversion layer. Instability will return to the area Wednesday with an increase in the potential for thunderstorms and outflow winds.

The inversion layer today was strong covering most of the area in smoke and limiting the activity noted during the two previous afternoons. Smoke limited the air attack and observation of the East side of the fire. However, late in the afternoon, conditions changed as the fire began to actively move Southwest in the Hites Cove Rd. area. Clearer air allowed retardant drops using fixed wing tankers to effectively slow fire spread.

Fire crews continued fire line construction where possible and scouted for contingency lines further up river to keep fire on the South side of the South Fork Merced River. Crews planned and implemented structure preparation and protection strategies where permitted.

Due to continued hot and dry conditions over the next 5 days we urge you to be vigilant with your safety. With decreased visibility due to the smoke please stay cautious and be aware while driving in and around the fire areas.

July 16, 2018 at 10:49 AM

A fire advisement has been issued for the following locations:

Lushmeadows Community
Ponderosa Basin Community
Triangle Rd from Jerseydale Rd to Hwy 49 South including all side roads.
Darrah Rd from Triangle to Sherrod Rd
East side of Hwy 49S from Darrah Rd to Harris Cuttoff Rd- This includes Boyer Rd, Woodland Area, Wass Rd, Tip Top Rd

This is NOT an Evacuation Order. This is an advisement only of a potential Evacuation Order should conditions change.

Should this area become under a Mandatory Evacuation Order you will be notified via the Sheriff’s Office Emergency Alert System by Text, Email and a Voice Call, the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page and door to door communication by Sheriff’s Office staff. At that time you will be notified of the best routes of travel to safely evacuate your residence.

A Red Cross Shelter is currently at the New Life Christian Church located at 5089 Cole Rd Mariposa.

July 16, 2018 at 9:22 AM

A MANDATORY EVACUATION has been issued for the remainder of the Jerseydale Area. This includes all residences on Jerseydale Rd, Hites Cove Rd and all side roads from Triangle Rd to the end of Hites Cove Rd. Please evacuate as soon as possible. Please drive with caution and watch for responding emergency traffic.

Red Cross Center: New Life Christian Church located at 5089 Cole Rd in Mariposa

July 16, 2018 at 8:14 AM

Crews successfully held the fire along Highway 140 and protected structures as the fire showed significant growth to the south in Nutmeg and Devils Gulch area. Crews initiated several important new containment lines including Sweetwater Ridge on the southwest flank of the fire. Contingency lines are also being established on the fires eastern flank to check the fires movement toward Yosemite West.

Structure protection engines have arrived and are setting up to protect homes and businesses between the Cedar Lodge area and Hite’s Cove. Additional engines are being inserted into Jerseydale and Yosemite West to formulate structure protection plans. Firefighters have also begun construction of contingency lines along Sweetwater Ridge south of fire and along the Pinoche Ridge on the north flank of the fire.

Firefighters are aggressively fighting the fire at locations where they have the highest probability of success and they have adequate time to construct the fire ahead of its advance.

Mandatory Evacuation Areas that are currently under a mandatory evacuation include: Clearing House; Mariposa Pines; Cedar Lodge/Savage’s Trading Post and Sweetwater Ridge

Fire Advisement: Yosemite West and all of Jerseydale Road to Scott Road and Scott Road to Bear Clover are under Fire Advisement and should be prepared to evacuation should conditions change.

Road Closures Highway 140 north of Mariposa remains closed due to firefighting activities and an on-going investigation into the fire’s cause. Hwy 140 is closed from Foresta Bridge to Briceburg. Other road closures included River Road from Briceburg to the gate at Railroad Flat and all Campground area closed. Hites Cover Road from Bear Clover Road to the Merced River.

Smoke Impacts: Smoke is expected to continue to impact adjoining communities, especially during night and early morning hours. You can learn more about air quality, and daily smoke forecasts by visiting either www.airnow.gov or www.valleyair.org.

July 15, 2018 at 5:52 PM

Today crews improved structure protection measures along Highway 140 and continued to work to hold the fire north of Ferguson Ridge. The fire has slopped over Ferguson Ridge in several places and crews are working to secure this spread. Structure protection engines have arrived, and are setting up to protect home and business between Cedar Lodge area and Hite’s Cove. Additional engines are being inserted into Jerseydale and Yosemite West to formulate structure protection plans. Firefighters have also begun construction of contingency lines along Sweetwater Ridge south of the fire and along Pinoche Ridge on the fires north flank.

Firefighters are aggressively fighting the fire at locations where they have the highest probability of success and they have adequate time to construct the fire ahead of its advance.

Mandatory Evacuation Areas that are currently under a mandatory evacuation include: Clearing House; Mariposa Pines; Cedar Lodge/Savage’s Trading Post and Sweetwater Ridge

Fire Advisement. Yosemite West and all of Jerseydale Road to Scott Road and Scott Road to Bear Clover are under Fire Advisement and should be prepared to evacuation should conditions change.

Road Closure Highway 140 north of Mariposa remains closed due to firefighting activities and an on-going investigation into the fire’s cause. Hwy 140 is closed from Foresta Bridge to Briceburg. Other road closures included River Road from Briceburg to the gate at Railroad Flat and all Campground area closed. Hites Cover Road from Bear Clover Road to the Merced River.

Smoke Impacts: Smoke is expected to continue to impact adjoining communities, especially during night and early morning hours. You can learn more about air quality, and daily smoke forecasts by visiting either www.airnow.gov or www.valleyair.org.

July 15, 2018 at 10:39 AM

A fire advisement has been issued for the Yosemite West area of Mariposa County. This is NOT an Evacuation Order. This is an advisement only of a potential Evacuation Order should conditions change.

Should this area become under a Mandatory Evacuation Order you will be notified via the Sheriff’s Office Emergency Alert System by Text, Email and a Voice Call, the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page and door to door communication by Sheriff’s Office staff. Also at that time you will be notified of a Red Cross Shelter and the best routes of travel to safely evacuate your residence.

July 15, 2018 at 10:05 AM

Current information as of 9:40 this morning:

Evacuations in effect for Briceburg to Cedar Lodge on Hwy 140 and Mariposa Pines north of Bear Clover.

Evacuation advisory for Jerseydale area.

July 15, 2018 at 9:20 AM

Predicted triple digit heat today with slight chance of isolated thundershowers on the Sierra ridges.

Savages Trading Post and Ferguson Ridge Rd, Cedar Lodge and Redbud lodge were evacuated. Jerseydale and Mariposa Pines are under an evacuation order as of last night.

Hwy 140 is closed from 1.9 miles east of Midpines to the Cedar Lodge area MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE AN ALTERNATE ROUTE

July 14, 2018 at 9:22 PM

A fire advisement has been issued for the Jerseydale area of Mariposa County. This is NOT an Evacuation Order. This is an advisement only of a potential Evacuation Order should conditions change.

Should this area become under a Mandatory Evacuation Order you will be notified via the Sheriff’s Office Emergency Alert System by Text, Email and a Voice Call,  the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page and door to door communication by Sheriff’s Office staff. Also at that time you will be notifed of a Red Cross Shelter and the best routes of travel to safely evacuate your residence.

• CA IMT2 (Strawhun) mobilized, inbrief at 1800 today (7/14)
• Active fire behavior with uphill runs and spotting
• Evacuations in place for Cedar Lodge
• Structures threatened
• Steep inaccessible terrain

July 14, 2018 at 4:58 PM

BLM campgrounds in the Briceburg area are closed until further notice.

July 14, 2018 at 4:32 PM

Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office: The Ferguson Fire is continuing to create a lot of smoke. Fire Agencies are actively and directly fighting the fire. The Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office is working in partnership with our Fire suppression partners and we will be communicating with the Mariposa Pines / Jerseydale area residents if fire activity requires further action. Currently we ask that if you live in the Mariposa Pines / Jerseydale Area, you remain alert and aware of the Ferguson Fire.

July 14, 2018 at 3:30 PM

PG&E has de-energized the power lines running through the fire area, affecting Yosemite, El Portal and Foresta.

Savages Trading Post and Redbud lodge were evacuated. Cedar Lodge is on a pre-evacuation warning.

July 14, 2018 at 1:09 PM

July 14, 2018 at 10:01 AM

Evacuations in effect for Savages, Cedar Lodge and Red Bud Inn. The fire is burning in very steep and inaccessible terrain at a moderate rate of spread.

Highway 140 from Midpines to El Portal is closed due to a wildfire on the Sierra National Forest near El Portal that started on the evening of Friday, July 13, 2018. Highway 140 is currently closed just east of the Yosemite Bug Hostel to just west of Cedar Lodge in El Portal.

Visitors planning to travel from Mariposa or Merced to Yosemite National Park are encouraged to use alternative routes and enter the park via Highway 120 or Highway 41. Highway 140 will remain closed until further notice. There is no anticipated time for Highway 140 to reopen.

Power in Yosemite Valley has been impacted by the wildfire. Powerlines in the canyon that provide electric power to Yosemite Valley have been turned off for the safety of firefighters. There is no anticipated time for power to be fully restored.