Yosemite Fire Update

Yosemite Fire Update
July 31, 2009

Another fire was found today one quarter mile north of the Yosemite Falls. The Falls fire is an area of high hiker use and will be suppressed.

The lightning caused Wildcat fire continues to be managed for multiple objectives. It is burning on the north side of the River in Red Fir, Jeffery Pine and brush on very steep terrain. Since the start of this fire Wednesday July 29, approximately 320 acres have burned. The very active fire behavior with rapid rates of spread, including short duration torching and crowning of fuels observed on the first day of it being found, has slowed as the fire has moved up the north rim of the Canyon. Three Wildland fire modules are now spiked out near the fire perimeter to manage this fire (two Yosemite and one Stanislaus fire modules). This fire is located in one of the most remote, steep and rugged wilderness areas of the Park. Due to the steepness of the canyon, the potential for rock and timber roll-out and other significant safety concerns, the primary strategy will be indirect action until the fire finds its way to more open and accessible terrain.

Trail closures are in effect: The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne from Glen Aulin to Pate Valley. Further trail closures are being considered.

The immediate course of action and strategy will be to keep the fire on the north side of the Tuolumne River. Further actions will be determined by fire managers with additional reconnaissance and on the ground evaluation by fire crews. All responses are being considered for this wilderness wildfire. Values to be protected include the Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp, the Tuolumne River, trail systems and bridges, wildlife habitat and other wilderness and cultural resources.

Periodic smoke may be visible from various locations within the Park and the immediate region. Air quality could be diminished over the next few days due to strong up and down canyon winds moving smoke. Other regional fires are contributing to the areas haze.

Weather forecasters have predicted more thunderstorms and lightning pushing into the foothills tonight, but with less activity through the rest of the week. Slightly cooler temperatures are also predicted and more air movement by the weekend.

Suppression Fires:

Falls (37 45.971 x 119 35.685, 5200’, Mariposa Co) The ¼ acre fire is burning in heavy accumulation of dead logs, brush and other forest litter. Seventy percent of the perimeter is active. Crews are suppressing this today.

Wilderness Fire Unit; lightning caused fires:

Wildcat (37 56.208 x 119 29.418, 6300’ to 8400’ elevation, Tuolumne Co.) The 320 acre fire is burning in Jeffery Pine, Red Fir and brush. It is making runs to the north rim of the canyon. It has good potential for further growth.

The Grouse and Harden fires will continued to be patrolled due to continued hot spots within the perimeter of each these fires.

Fire Yosemite Information: Please call 209 372-0480.