Yosemite Fires – Update #32 – August 14, 2009

The Wildcat fire has remained active during the presence of the high pressure ridge and higher temperatures over the Sierra Nevada. Approximately 903 acres have burned. The fire will be re-mapped in a few days. The lightning caused fire continues to burn on the north and south sides of the Tuolumne River, and up onto the north rim of the Tuolumne River Canyon through Red Fir, Jeffery Pine and brush. The most active flanks are to the northeast toward Register Creek; the west flank; and to the east toward Return Creek. Yosemite Crew 6 will continue to monitor this fire. Yosemite Crew 7 and Stanislaus National Forest Calaveras Module have been demobilized off the fire.

The fire continues to smolder and move slowly through brush and areas of ground fuel. Firefighters began actions of clearing brush and placing a light scratch line for defensive purposes ahead of the eastern perimeter fire line, near Return Creek and to the bottom of the river canyon. A portable sprinkler system was placed into service by firefighters to protect the Return Creek Bridge.

Trail closures are in effect: The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne from Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp to Pate Valley.

The Wilderness Ranger and Fire Management are working together on this fire to evaluate when the popular trail through the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River can be re-opened.