Author: eeek
Date: 08-20-08 21:08
Yosemite rangers were kept busy during July and early August as they supported Madera County in a large scale search and rescue operation and at the same time dealt with a structural fire, a significant climber fall, a suicide, and a visit from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. They also participated fully in the suppression of the Telegraph Fire and in managing day-to-day operations in the park:
Rescue – On July 18th, rangers conducted a high angle rescue operation for an injured climber on the 18th pitch of the Nose Route of El Capitan. Eric Ruderman, a Yosemite search and rescue staff member, was climbing recreationally when he hit the face of the rock while attempting a pendulum procedure. Ruderman was short-hauled off of El Capitan and flown to an area hospital.
Wildland Fire – The Telegraph Fire, which threatened 2,000 homes in the Mariposa area (including those of many park employees), began on July 25th in the Merced River Canyon. Yosemite National Park participated as a cooperating agency and provided resources for the suppression effort, including Crew 7, Yosemite helitack, a dozer, division supervisors, security specialists, technical specialists, resource advisors, and others. Yosemite’s helicopter was also twice utilized for short-haul operations for injuries incurred during the firefighting effort.
SAR – During the Telegraph Fire, Yosemite rangers also supported the Madera County Sheriff’s Office in their search for 67-year-old James Arthur, who disappeared in the Iron Lakes area of the Sierra National Forest on July 28th. Participating in the search effort were rangers and search and rescue staff, including ground searchers and dog handlers. A park helicopter was also used in the operation.
Structural Fire – A structural fire near the kitchen area of the Yosemite Lodge caused significant damage to the roof and attic of the cafeteria building around 6 p.m. on August 2nd. NPS engines from Yosemite Valley and El Portal responded together with an engine from DNC Parks and Resorts in Yosemite, Inc., the park’s major concessioner. After fighting the fire for approximately four hours, firefighters were able to confine the blaze to the attic and mechanical rooms. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.
Suicide – Rangers dealt with a high-profile suicide on July 29th when a 27-year-old man jumped to his death from Half Dome. This was the second suicide this summer; the first, a 36-year-old man, occurred on June 13th and stemmed from a jump from El Capitan.
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