Fire at a glance (numbers)
- Incident Name: Washburn, Yosemite
- State: CA
- Lead Agency: YNP
- Size (acres): 4,886
- Percent Contained: 97%
- Estimate of Containment: August 6, 2022
- Personnel: 71
- Structures Destroyed: 0
Washburn, Yosemite NP, NPS. Three miles southeast of Wawona, CA. Timber, closed timber litter and brush. Minimal fire behavior. Area, road and trail closures in effect.
July 30, 2022 at 10:54 AM
The Washburn Fire is 97% contained at 4,886 acres. The remaining uncontained portion of the fire remains along the perimeter burning near Star Lakes. Natural unburnable features (large granite rock screes, minimal vegetation) limit the potential for the fire to spread much further than its current location. The efforts of first responders have greatly reduced the complexity of the incident.
July 30, 2022 at 8:47 AM
Isolated thunderstorms over the Sierra Crest moved westward towards the Washburn fire yesterday afternoon with light showers reaching the fire area near the Iron Creek and South Fork Merced River. Temperatures remained warm with high temperatures reaching the upper 70s near the upper elevations of the fire and the low 90s in Wawona.
A helicopter patrolling the fire yesterday noticed a previously unburned pocket of vegetation several-hundred feet south of the South Fork Merced River, which is being used as the control feature for the northern flank. Today, helitack crews will be flown into this portion of the fire to ensure the burning logs and brush can’t threaten the control line in this remote portion of the fire. Fire resources will continue to hike into the Star Lakes and will likely set up a pump operation to fully secure the fire burning in and around the large rock screes. All of the suppression repair work occurring on the fire over the last week has been completed.
July 28, 2022 at 10:31 AM
Yesterday, firefighters took advantage of favorable weather conditions to increase containment to 94% at 4,883 acres. Many of the resources that have worked hard the last several weeks to get control of the Washburn fire are being sent back to their home units to reset before becoming available for their next assignment. California Interagency Incident Management Team 15 thanks these emergency responders for their professionalism and hard work while on the Washburn Incident.
July 27, 2022 at 8:05 PM
Monsoonal moisture increased yesterday causing late afternoon thunderstorms to develop east of the fire along the Sierra Crest. A similar weather pattern is expected today, with increasing clouds, potential thunderstorms, and slightly lower temperatures. Most of the suppression efforts still occurring on the fire are focused around the Star Lakes area. The remaining heat sources are burning in and around large granite rock screes, making access difficult, but also limiting the chance that the fire will burn much farther from its current location. Hotshot crews will continue to hike in and check this area each day and the National Infrared Operations airplane will provide updated intelligence each night that will be monitored. The crews continue to make good progress on their fire suppression repair efforts.
July 26, 2022 at 9:46 AM
Monsoonal moisture began to increase across the region yesterday afternoon with cumulus buildup visible to the east of the Washburn fire over the Sierra Crest. Moisture will increase again today with thunderstorm activity becoming more widespread. The clouds and moisture will help keep temperatures a few degrees cooler with highs in the mid-80s and humidity values around 25%. These conditions are an improvement from the recent persistent hot and dry weather pattern and will assist fire crews in increasing containment of the fire in the coming days.
Yesterday, the helitack crew using “coyote tactics” were extracted from the north flank, where the fire is holding along the South Fork Merced River. Coyote tactics are used when crews sleep out near the fire’s edge along remote portions of the fire and are logistically supported by helicopters. This helps limit exposure being transported in and out of the fire each day and increases the efficiency of their operations. Most of the heat left across the fire is smoldering logs well within the containment lines. Fire crews continue to coordinate with local agency Resource Advisors to ensure impacts that occurred during suppression efforts are repaired where possible.
July 25, 2022 at 12:15 PM
The warm and dry weather pattern will persist for another day over the fire area. The recent dry conditions have allowed firefighters to seek out the remaining portions of heat near the control lines and extinguish them. This operation is referred to as “mopping-up” and is critical to ensure all control lines are secure before firefighters are extracted by helicopter from the more remote portions of the fire. Crews are being assisted by the National Infrared Operations airplane which flies over the fire every night and provides an updated map of the heat sources across the burned area and is used to highlight the location of the hot areas.
Today, resources will focus on mopping-up hot spots near the control lines, backhauling equipment no longer being used, and rehabilitating the areas impacted during fire suppression efforts. Temperatures will remain seasonably warm with continued low humidity values. The main smoke plume from the Oak fire is forecasted to stay north of the Washburn fire. Increasing cumulus clouds are expected to build up to the east of the fire over the Sierra Crest during the afternoon and evening hours. There is a slight chance of isolated showers overnight into Tuesday morning, but wetting rains are not forecasted with less than 0.10 inches expected.
July 24, 2022 at 6:29 PM
One of the main indicators of seasonal fire danger is an index called the Energy Release Component. The extended drought conditions and very dry airmass over the area yesterday resulted in the highest Energy Release Component rating ever recorded for the Central Sierra Predicted Service Area. These conditions were the cause for rapid rates of spread when the Oak Fire ignited on Friday. The Oak Fire is burning approximately 12-miles west of the Washburn fire. Coordination is occurring between fire managers and both air and ground resources responded from the Washburn Fire to assist in the suppression efforts occurring on the Oak Fire.
Today, resources on the Washburn Fire will continue to actively secure the remaining portions of heat near control lines. The two main areas of focus are near the confluence of the South Fork Merced River and Iron Creek. Crews are coordinating with pilots using Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) containing an infrared camera to provide accurate information on the hotspots burning in the remote and rugged terrain. The predicted southwest winds will transport most of the smoke generated from the Oak Fire plume to the north, but smoke and haze will linger over the Washburn Fire today. Conditions will remain warm and dry with temperatures in the mid 80’s and minimum humidity around 15%.
July 23, 2022 at 8:44 AM
Continuing warm/dry weather will maintain the potential of active fire behavior during the period, with the burning conditions extending through the night due to poor relative humidity recovery on higher terrain. Generally light winds will promote pockets of isolated limited fire behavior within the control lines as unburned fuels are consumed. Southwesterly ridge top winds will provide clear sky and good ventilation. Aggressive mop-up and diminishing heat over time will continue to lessen the threat to containment lines.
July 21, 2022 at 9:15 AM
The fire continues to burn slowly in thick unburned fuels on the north east and eastern edge of the fire. Firefighters continue to make solid gains of containment with the handline along the South Fork of the Merced River working east with the Inyo Hotshots using pump systems out of the river to assist them. 9 hotshot crews are working this section in difficult terrain. Spotfires have been greatly reduced in this area. The fire line around Mount Raymond is holding and conditions in that section have greatly improved. Crews continue to mop-up and patrol along Wawona Rd (Yosemite’s Highway 41) as well as around Mariposa grove. Crews are now beginning to backhaul the hose they laid in the initial stages of the Washburn Fire as the fire begins to move into suppression-repair status in certain sections. The forecast predicts temperatures in the high 80s to 90s with humidity in the upper teens to mid 20s. Light winds will push the smoke west with some lingering in drainages.
July 21, 2022 at 7:15 AM
Successful suppression actions have resulted in diminished fire behavior on all portions of the fire. The fire continues to burn in heavy dead and down timber fuels on the eastern portion of the fire within constructed lines. A very persistent warm and dry weather pattern continues to support the potential of active-to-very active fire behavior today. Primary area of fire behavior focus includes the S. Fk. Merced River upstream to the Iron Cr. and Johnson Cr. areas where most of the current activity is occurring. Progressive heat loss, with length of time since burning, combined with the aggressive mop-up that will be occurring will provide additional security to fire lines.
Minimal fire spread was observed on the east flank of the fire south of the S. Fork. Merced River near Iron Creek that included flare-ups, and continued consumption of heavy fuels on steep slopes. Very persistent warm and dry weather continues to produce pockets of interior active fire behavior, that will extend into the evening due to low relative humidity. Downslope and down drainage wind flow will continue to provide diminishing smoke accumulation in the valleys during the night under a strong inversion, while southwest winds at higher elevations retain a relatively clear sky.
July 20, 2022 at 12:12 PM
Weather/Fire Conditions: The fire continues to burn slowly in thick loads of dead and down fuels on the eastern edge of the fire. Fire fighters work to gain containment by holding hand line they have constructed south of Iron Creek drainage. There have been no spot fires while they hold this line. The contingency line around Mount Raymond is proving to hold its integrity as we monitor the fire and witness movement west along the line. Mop up and patrol along Wawona Rd (Yosemite’s Highway 41) as well as Mariposa grove has been successful as our crews begin the pull some of the hose they have laid in the initial attack of the Washburn Fire. The forecast predicts high 80’s with humidity getting up to 26% with winds pushing the smoke west and lingering in any drainages For a detailed look at smoke conditions: Washburn Fire Smoke Report
July 19, 2022 at 6:45 PM
July 19, 2022 at 8:18 AM
Firefighters continue to patrol and perform mop up operations along the western and south western portion of the fire. Patrol and mop up require our fire personnel to sift through the burned areas with hand tools in search of hot spots in order to extinguish them. This allows for residual smoke to dissipate as well as maintaining control of the containment line.
Our crews continue to build and hold contingency line around Mount Raymond and hand crews dig hand line around Iron Creek drainage in hopes to gain containment on the eastern side of the incident. This fire area contains large amounts of both live and dead trees, high mortality from drought and associated beetle kill in 2016, as well as significant blow down producing heavy fuels from the winter’s Mono Wind storm. Temperatures will reach the high 80’s and relative humidity is predicted to be in the 25-28% range. Expect moderate smoke activity moving west due to the amount of heavy fuels burning in the eastern most percentage of the fire. Higher elevations will remain moderately clear while down drainage winds will provide for smoke accumulation in valleys. For a detailed look at smoke conditions: Washburn Fire Smoke Report
Wawona Repopulation: The community of Wawona continues to be open ONLY to Wawona residents and property owners, with restrictions including specific time slots and escorts. Please read the Wawona repopulation Frequently Asked Questions .
Closures: Wawona,Wawona Road (Hwy 41) south of Yosemite West, and the Mariposa Grove are closed to the general public until further notice. The South Entrance remains closed. All other areas of Yosemite National Park are open. Use El Portal Rd (Hwy 140) or Big Oak Flat Rd. (Hwy 120 East) or Tioga Rd (Hwy 120 West) to enter Yosemite. Reservations are still required from 6:00 am – 4:00 pm; visit www.recreation.gov.
Yosemite National Park Fire Restrictions: Starting July 16, fire restrictions are in effect below 8,000 feet of elevation and smoking is restricted park wide. The residences of Wawona, El Portal, and Foresta are on a strict fire restriction due to high potential fire danger. For more information please visit Yosemite National Park Fire Restrictions
Sierra National Forest Washburn Fire Closure Order: The Washburn Fire is highly active on the Sierra National Forest. The lands affected are just a small portion of the 1.3 million acre Sierra National Forest. To aid firefighters and protect public safety during the Washburn Fire, the Sierra National Forest has issued a Washburn Fire Closure Forest Order: This order is effective from July 15, 2022 through August 1, 2022. For a detailed description including a map, please view the following link: Forest Order 05–15–00–22–15
July 18, 2022 at 9:18 PM
Observed Weather Conditions July 18, 2022: Wind Speed / Max. Gust Sustained 4-8 mph gusts to 20 mph. Temp Highs 80-89 Direction West-southwest RH 20-30%
Very persistent warm and dry weather continues to produce pockets of active-to-very active fire behavior during the day, that extends into the night due to poor relative humidity. Minimal fire spread was observed on the east flank of the fire south of the S. Fk. Merced River near Iron Creek including torching, flanking, and backing on steep slopes. Downslope and down drainage wind flow will continue to provide smoke accumulation in the valleys during the night under a strong inversion, while southwest winds at higher elevations retain a relatively clear sky.
July 18, 2022 at 9:42 AM
With a combination of heavy dead and down fuels and the weather remaining both dry and in a high heat advisory, firefighters are vigorously working to construct hand line west of Iron Creek and north of Mount Raymond. Crews are spiked out picking up spot fires in this division of the fire which continue to be successful. Fire personnel are in the patrolling and mop up phase while hazard tree mitigation operations remain in place along Yosemite’s Wawona Rd and Mariposa Grove. Observed fire behavior has diminished by successful suppression activities in most portions of the fire’s growth. Having burn scars from 2017’s South Fork Fire provides for a great barrier to help with suppression of the fire by having little to no fuels for the fire to consume. Temperatures will reach the low-90s and relative humidity is predicted to be in the 15-24% range. Expect moderate smoke activity on the eastern edge due to the amount of fuels burning off from wind storm wreckage over the winter. Down drainage wind flow will provide smoke accumulation in valleys while higher elevations will remain relatively clear.
July 18, 2022 at 6:54 AM
Planned actions: Continue to secure and reinforce the Hwy 41 corridor, Mariposa Grove Rd., and continue to construct handline and dozer line from Wawona Point to the west and north to South Fork of the Merced River. Protect remote cabins within Yosemite National Park and Sierra National Forest. Continue to construct handline where possible in the Iron Creek drainage area. Continue contingency line construction south of the incident.
Starting at 8 am on Monday, July 18, people who reside or work in Yosemite National Park or Yosemite West may use Wawona Road for commuting purposes. Visitors, including vacation rental guests, will NOT be allowed on Wawona Road south of Yosemite West until further notice. This restriction will be reassessed daily. As soon as firefighting operations allow the restriction to be lifted, we will allow access to everyone. We will be working to allow this as soon as possible.
Ground shipping companies can resume service on Monday, July 18. USPS delivery is pending. Wawona mail will remain available at the post office in Yosemite Village until full delivery is restored to Wawona.
July 17, 2022 at 10:43 PM
Observed Weather Conditions July 17, 2022: Wind Speed / Max. Gust Sustained 3-7 mph gusts to 17 mph. Temp Highs 85-92 Direction Wes-Southwest RH 18-28%
Continuation of warm/dry weather will provide active fire behavior throughout the period, with the burning conditions extending well into the night due to poor relative humidity recovery on higher terrain. Generally light winds will produce sustained backing on slopes with flanking, torching, and spotting; southwesterly ridgetop winds will provide clear sky and good ventilation. Continued potential for spotting north of the South Fork Merced River in the Johnson Creek area as the fire backs to the bottom of the slope.
July 17, 2022 at 10:05 AM
Warm and dry weather persists as the fire continues to burn in heavy dead and down fuels in an old-growth forest landscape. Observed fire behavior has diminished by successful suppression activities in most portions of the fire.
Firefighters continue to construct hand line in dense, dead, and down landscapes from wind storms from Mount Raymond to Iron Creek and the South Fork of the Merced River. Fire scars in the north from the 2017 South Fork Fire are helping the cause by providing a barrier for limited spread and intensity. Mop up and hazard tree removal operations remain in place along Yosemite’s Wawona Rd and Mariposa Grove.
Temperatures will reach the low-90s and relative humidity is predicted to be in the 20-30% range. Down drainage wind flow will provide smoke accumulation in valleys while higher elevations will remain relatively clear. The efforts of the entire team of fire personnel and support from the communities involved have greatly aided in the growth of success in containment.
July 16, 2022 at 11:37 AM
Weather/Fire Conditions: Weather continues to stay consistently warm and dry with active to very active fire behavior. This active behavior will possibly include group torching as fire backs down to the Merced River and upstream near Iron Creek. Mop up and hazard tree removal operations are in place along Yosemite’s Wawona Rd and Mariposa Grove.
Expect winds over the incident area to remain light to moderate and mostly terrain driven. Temperatures will reach the low-90s and relative humidity is predicted to be in the 22-32% range. For a detailed look at smoke conditions: Washburn Fire Smoke Report
It should be noted that to date all structures remain unharmed and no serious injuries have been inflicted on this incident.
Sierra National Forest Washburn Fire Closure Order: The Washburn Fire is now active on the Sierra National Forest. To aid firefighters and protect public safety during the Washburn Fire, the Sierra National Forest has issued a Washburn Fire Closure Forest Order:
Forest Order: 05-15-00-22-15: This order is effective from July 15, 2022 through August 1, 2022. For a detailed description including a map, please view the following link: Forest Order 05–15–00–22–15. All closure roads are on the Bass Lake Ranger District and they include: Road 5S06 Mtn. Raymond Rd, 5S22 Big Sandy Rd, 5S43 White Chief Mtn. Rd, 6S10 Sky Ranch Rd, 5S40Y Lost Lake Rd, 5S40Z Lost Lake Rd, 5S04 Chiquito Lake Rd, 5S70A Red Top Rd.
Additionally Off-roaders, to protect public and firefighter safety, please avoid the Kamook Staging Area. Firefighters are using the site for the staging of firefighting heavy equipment. An alternative spot is Lone Sequoia trailhead/campground on the 5S24 road about 2 miles from Hwy 41, or any dispersed site along the 5S15 road in Miami Trails.
Please be advised that USFS law enforcement will be on patrol. We would like to thank all members of the public for avoiding the closure area so that incident personnel may stay focused on the difficult and dangerous work that remains.
Yosemite National Park Fire Restrictions: Starting July 16, fire restrictions are in effect below 8,000 feet of elevation and smoking is restricted park wide. The residences of El Portal and Foresta are on a strict fire restriction due to high potential fire danger. For more information please visit Yosemite National Park Fire Restrictions
Wawona Evacuation Update: Structure defense groups are working to build contingency line on the northwest edge of the community of Wawona to further increase security. Stay-tuned for a resident re-population update in the very near future. To stay updated with alerts from Yosemite National Park sign up for the alert system: Yosemite Alert System. The protection of both life and property continues to be a top priority.
Evacuations & Closures: Wawona, Wawona Road (Hwy 41) south of Yosemite West, and the Mariposa Grove are closed until further notice. The South Entrance remains closed. All other areas of Yosemite National Park are open. Use El Portal Rd (Hwy 140) or Big Oak Flat Rd. (Hwy 120 East) or Tioga Rd (Hwy 120 West) to enter Yosemite.
Reservations are still required; visit www.recreation.gov.
Tip Line: If you were at or near the Mariposa Grove on July 7, 202, please contact the NPS Investigative Services Branch (ISB)
Call/Text – (888)-653-0009 Email– nps_isb@nps.gov
July 15, 2022 at 12:44 PM
July 15, 2022 at 11:20 AM
Continued warm and dry weather with active to very active fire behavior. This active behavior will include group torching and runs of intense fire in the crowns of trees on the eastern side of the fire. Expect winds over the incident area to remain light to moderate and mostly terrain driven. Temperatures will reach the low-90s and relative humidity is predicted to be in the 20-30% range. Weather and fuels will continue to produce a large smoke column each afternoon. Expect smokey conditions.For a more detailed look at smoke conditions: Washburn Fire Smoke Report
It should be noted that to date, there have been no structures lost or serious injuries on the Washburn Fire.
Sierra National Forest Washburn Fire Closure Order: The Washburn Fire is now active on the Sierra National Forest. The lands affected are less than 3% of the 1.3 million acre Sierra National Forest. To aid firefighters and protect public safety during the Washburn Fire, the Sierra National Forest has issued a Washburn Fire Closure Forest Order:
Forest Order: 05-15-00-22-15: This order is effective from July 15, 2022 through August 1, 2022. For a detailed description including a map, please view the following link: Forest Order 05-15-00-22-15. All closure roads are on the Bass Lake Ranger District and they include: Road 5S06 Mtn. Raymond Rd, 5S22 Big Sandy Rd, 5S43 White Chief Mtn. Rd, 6S10 Sky Ranch Rd, 5S40Y Lost Lake Rd, 5S40Z Lost Lake Rd, 5S04 Chiquito Lake Rd, 5S70A Red Top Rd.
Off-roaders, to protect public and firefighter safety, please avoid the Kamook Staging Area. Firefighters are using the site for the staging of firefighting heavy equipment. An alternative spot is Lone Sequoia trailhead/campground on the 5S24 road about 2 miles from Hwy 41, or any dispersed site along the 5S15 road in Miami Trails.
Please be advised that USFS law enforcement will be on patrol and thank all members of the public for avoiding the closure area so that incident personnel may stay focused on the difficult and dangerous work that remains.
Wawona Evacuation Update: Stay-tuned for a resident re-population update in the very near future. To stay updated with alerts from Yosemite National Park sign up for the alert system: Yosemite Alert System. The protection of both life and property continues to be a top priority. Fire conditions, behavior and weather continue to be assessed every 24 hours in order to prepare for re-population. Conditions have continued to improve. A structure defense group remains in the community and there has not been any damage or loss of either the Wawona Hotel or private structures.
Fire Progression: For a daily summary of the fire with Matt Ahearn, Operations Section Chief for California Interagency Incident Management Team 13. Search: http://facebook.com/yosemitefire or on Facebook search: Washburn Fire Morning Briefing with Team 13 (California Interagency Incident Management Team 13)
Using Fire to Fight Fire: There have been quite a few questions related to the use of introduced fire to slow the wildfire progress. Firefighters are attacking the fire with fire, or using what we call “offensive fire.” For a visual description of this tactic visit this link: Offensive Fire
Evacuations & Closures: Wawona, Wawona Road (Hwy 41) south of Yosemite West, and the Mariposa Grove are closed until further notice. All other areas of Yosemite National Park are open. Use El Portal Rd (Hwy 140) or Big Oak Flat Rd. (Hwy 120 East) or Tioga Rd (Hwy 120 West) to enter Yosemite. The Rest of the Park Remains Open and reservations are still required; visit www.recreation.gov. The South Entrance remains closed.
July 14, 2022 at 9:24 PM
High pressure over the region continues to produce warm and dry conditions during the day and mild and moderate humidity recovery at night. The prevailing winds will be out of the southwest, but most of the fireline will be impacted by terrain driven flow. Higher elevations on the eastside of the fire could see gusts up to 20 mph. Weather and fuels will continue to produce a large smoke column each afternoon. Expect smoky conditions.
As firefighters pursue the Washburn Fire using a coordinated full suppression strategy, the fire remains active on the Sierra National Forest during hot and dry conditions. To aid firefighters and protect public safety during the Washburn Fire, Forest Routes 5S43 White Chief Mountain Rd., 5S06 Mt. Raymond Rd., 5S22 Big Sandy Rd., 6S10 Sky Ranch Rd., 5S40Y Lost Lake Rd., 5240Z Lost Lake Rd., 5S04 Chiquito Lake Rd., 5S70A Red Top Rd. and 5S37 have been closed to the public. The fire is moving east along the South Fork of Merced River in a remote river canyon making access very challenging. The fire is impacting wilderness, main forest roads and recreation areas. This calls for significant firefighting and Forest Service resources to help fight the Washburn Fire.
For these reasons, these forest lands and roads near the southern boundary of Yosemite National Park need to be closed for the safety of the public and firefighters. The lands affected by this expanded closure are now less than 3% of the 1.3 million acre Sierra National Forest. Scoping regarding this temporary closure involved discussions with multiple local, state, and federal agency cooperators.
July 14, 2022 at 6:38 AM
A persistent weather pattern for the next several days will support active-to-very active fire behavior in heavy dead and down fuels. Expect afternoon episodes of group torching, short crown runs, and spotting primarily on the south side of the S. Fk. Merced River and upstream toward Iron Cr.. Continued warming and drying over the next several days will bring additional fire growth and smoke production where control lines have yet to be constructed.
July 13, 2022 at 6:26 PM
Warming and drying will continue to provide an increase in fire behavior throughout the period, with the burn period extending into the night time hours due to poor relative humidity recovery. Light winds will provide sustained backing on slopes with flanking, torching and spotting.
Continued fire spread may be expected on the east flank of the fire in the South Fork Merced River drainage toward Iron Creek. Potential for continued spotting north of the South Fork Merced River as the fire backs to the bottom of the slope.
July 13, 2022 at 11:41 AM
July 13, 2022 at 11:34 AM
Weather/Fire Conditions: The weather for the coming week continues to be warm and dry resulting in active to very active fire behavior. This active behavior will include group torching and runs of intense fire in the crowns of trees on slopes. Expect winds over the incident area to remain light to moderate and mostly terrain driven. Temperatures will reach the low-90s and relative humidity is predicted to be in the 20-30% range.
Weather and fuels will continue to produce a large smoke column each afternoon. Expect smokey conditions. Visit: fire.airnow.gov/ for conditions in your area.
Public Support: Firefighters and participating agencies are grateful for the support expressed in many ways by the local communities and the nationwide public. Many who are working on the fire have also been in situations where wildfire has impacted their personal lives and they can relate to what people and communities are currently experiencing. And although members of the public may not be working on the fire line, it takes an entire community to successfully make it through incidents such as the Washburn Fire. Your patience as the fire is battled and the land is eventually rehabilitated is noticed and very much appreciated.
Fire moves onto the Sierra National Forest (SNF): The Washburn Fire is now active on the Sierra National Forest. To aid firefighters and protect public safety during the Washburn Fire, Forest Routes 5S43, 5S06 (Mt. Raymond Rd.), 5S22 and 5S37 have been closed to the public. Additionally, the Sierra National Forest has implemented forest-wide fire restrictions which limits the use of fires to certain designated developed sites and wilderness areas, Propane appliances will continue to be allowed.
July 13, 2022 at 6:57 AM
Moderate fire behavior overnight. Warm and dry conditions produced active-to-very active fire behavior during the day and will extend into the night due to poor relative humidity. Significant activity was observed on the east flank of the fire south of the S. Fk. Merced River including group torching and short crown runs on steep slopes. Light winds are producing sustained backing on slopes, flanking, and torching with spotting. Some downslope and down drainage wind flow will provide smoke in the valleys especially during the night under a strong inversion.
July 12, 2022 at 7:52 PM
Expecting the next several days to provide active-to-very active fire behavior in heavy dead and down fuels with episodes of group torching, short crown runs, and spotting. Afternoon conditions are producing areas of high intensity fire behavior on the east flank of the fire resulting in additional acreage. Continued warming and drying over the next several days will likely provide increased fire behavior with additional fire growth and smoke production.
High pressure will ease slightly Wednesday leading to slightly cooler conditions. However, the region will still remain relatively dry. Smoke will continue to impact the region due to weaker transport flow, especially at night. Overall winds will be light to moderate and mostly terrain driven.
Observed Weather Conditions July 12, 2022: Wind Speed / Max. Gust Sustained 3-8 mph gust 15 mph Temp Highs 84-89 Direction Southwest RH 20-25%
July 12, 2022 at 6:03 PM
Active fire behavior with short crown runs, group torching and spotting today. Warming and drying will continue to provide active fire behavior throughout the period, with the burn period extending into the night time hours due to low relative humidity. Light winds will provide sustained backing on slopes with flanking, torching and spotting. Continued fire spread may be expected on the east side of the fire in the South Fork Merced River drainage.
July 12, 2022 at 6:55 AM
The continued warm and dry conditions produced active-to-very during the day that will extended into the night due to poor relative humidity. Significant activity was observed on the northwest and northeast corners of the fire south of the S. Fork. Merced River. Light winds are allowing sustained backing on slopes, flanking, and torching with spotting. Downslope and down drainage wind flow will provide smoke in the valleys especially during the night.
July 11, 2022 at 7:29 PM
The fire is burning in difficult terrain which presents accessibility issues for firefighters. Heavy fuel loading from a period of high tree mortality has resulted in a large number of standing dead and fallen trees which create hazardous conditions for firefighters. The current fire location does not provide a large number of natural barriers which are often used to slow or stop the spread of a fire. Consequently, a great deal of hand and dozer line is being constructed. Fire scars from past fires located approximately one to three miles from the current fire perimeter, which will assist firefighters in slowing the growth of the fire. Firefighters will continue going direct when safe and will scout and prepare indirect lines.
July 11, 2022 at 1:21 PM
Monday, July 11, at 7 pm, representatives from the Incident Management team will discuss current and expected condition on the fire, and will hold a Question/Answer afterward.
The meeting will take place at the Community Center of Oakhurst at 39800 Fresno Flats Rd.
The fire was active last night and with the current warming trend, increased fire activity is expected for today as well. While structure wrap is not currently being used on the giant sequoias, firefighters are proactively protecting the Mariposa Grove through the use of a ground-based sprinkler system. This increases the humidity in the area around the trees and combined with the removal of ground fuels, the ground fire risk is greatly reduced. Yosemite’s fire management program has for many years utilized a wide variety of methods to reduce the fuels and minimize the risk of fire to the over 500 mature giant sequoias as well as the entire National Park.
Aircraft Incident: On Saturday, July 9th a tree branch was sent into the air from the powerful updraft produced by the fire. As it dropped back to earth, it narrowly missed two firefighting aircraft. Fortunately, there were no injuries and no damage. We are all grateful for the hard work and risks taken by everyone involved with the firefighting effort.
July 10, 2022 at 7:40 PM
Hot and dry conditions will persist through at least the end of the week. Winds will be generally light and terrain-driven. Smoke from the fire will continue to impact Yosemite National Park for the next few days due to southerly transport winds.
Active fire behavior with short crown runs, group torching and long-range spotting observed today. The fire has remained active overnight, and that will be expected tonight.
Planned actions: Continue direct handline construction where possible and prepare for indirect line when needed. Utilize offensive firing operations along primary control lines when appropriate. Defend Wawona Point and the Community of Wawona. Protect Mariposa Grove.
July 10, 2022 at 11:02 AM
The fire was active overnight. Today is expected to be hotter and drier. The parks are proactively protecting the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias. While structure wrap is not being used on the sequoias themselves, additional methods are being used including the removal of heavy and fine fuels around the trees and deploying ground-based sprinkler systems to increase humidity near the trees. Fortunately, the Mariposa Grove has a long history of prescribed burning and studies have shown that these efforts reduce the impacts of high-severity unwanted fire.
Terrain: The fire is burning in difficult terrain with continuous heavy dead and down fuels in and around the fire. Tree mortality from 2013 – 2015 has left significant dead standing and dead fallen fuels. This also presents significant safety hazards to firefighters. Located in the southern portion of Yosemite National Park, the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite and is home to over 500 mature giant sequoias.
July 10, 2022 at 7:59 AM
California Interagency Incident Management Team 13 has assumed command of the fire, and will manage the fire as a full suppression fire. Of significant importance is preventing or minimizing fire impacting to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Firefighting resources will continue to arrive over the coming days.
The fire is burning in difficult terrain with continuous heavy fuels in and around the fire. Significant tree mortality from 2013 – 2015 has left significant dead standing and dead fallen fuels. This also presents significant safety hazards to firefighters. Fire scars from past fires located approximately one to three miles from the current fire perimeter will assist firefighters in slowing the growth of the fire. Firefighters will continue going direct when safe and will scout and prepare indirect lines.
July 9, 2022 at 7:43 PM
Active fire behavior with short crown runs, group torching and spotting.
July 9, 2022 at 3:55 PM
July 9, 2022 at 12:05 PM
The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is home to over 500 mature trees. Efforts to protect these trees and the historic structures within the Grove include: removing hazard fuels, deploying temporary sprinkler systems, and utilizing protective structure wrap on the base of the trees as well as on the Galen Clark Cabin.
July 9, 2022 at 9:01 AM
CAIIMT13 has assumed command of the fire. Active fire behavior overnight with long range spotting. Increasing temperatures and decreasing humidity through the weekend.
The Mariposa Grove was evacuated and remains temporarily closed. Located in the southern portion of Yosemite, the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite and is home to over 500 mature giant sequoias. The national park idea is rooted in the Mariposa Grove. In 1864 President Lincoln signed legislation protecting the Mariposa Grove and Yosemite Valley for “public use, resort, and recreation.” For the first time in our nation’s history, the federal government set aside scenic natural areas to be protected for the benefit of future generations. Later added to Yosemite National Park in 1906, the Mariposa Grove is a popular destination within the park. For more information, please visit the Yosemite National Park’s Mariposa Grove Webpage
July 8, 2022 at 10:05 PM
· Moderate fire behavior with group torching and long range spotting
· Threat to critical communications infrastructure
· Evacuations orders are in effect · Threat to Giant Sequoias
· Road and trail closures in the area
· CAIIMT13 (Boehm) will assume command tomorrow 7/9/2022 @ 0700
A full initial attack response was dispatched including Yosemite National Park Fire resources and state and local cooperators. The Mariposa Grove was evacuated and remains temporarily closed. Additional resources have been ordered including engines, crews, dozers and aircraft, as well as a California Interagency Incident Management Team 13.
Effective on the afternoon of July 8, the community of Wawona and the Wawona Campground are under an evacuation order. Please leave the area immediately. Utilize Wawona Road (Hwy 41) northbound toward Yosemite Valley. Southbound traffic is closed at the Wawona Golf Course. A map of the evacuation area and current evacuation levels is available at https://arcg.is/1nzzzz0 A fire shelter is set up at the New Life Church located at 5089 Cole Road in Mariposa, CA.
Ground crews and aviation resources are working on full suppression throughout the night and into tomorrow.
