Yosemite Fires – Update #38– September 28, 2009

Yosemite Fires – Update #38– September 28, 2009

Wildcat Fire

The lightning caused Wildcat fire, which began on the 29th July, has been relatively inactive since August 22, 2009. Over the last weekend fire activity increased due to warmer weather. Smoke was again visible on this remote fire from many locations from inside and out of the Park, including Pilot Peak lookout, to the west and Bridgeport, a community east of the Yosemite. Fire Crew 6 was assigned to monitor the fire. The fire was found to moving northward toward Register Creek through stingers of fuels spaced in granite; brush, Red Fire, and Jeffery Pine. It is north of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River. Since the last helicopter reconnaissance and mapping flight, the fire perimeter in the sparse fuel, the fire has grown to 1250 acres, an increase of 15
acres. The fire is in Tuolumne County.

No trail closures are anticipated in this wilderness area. Cooler temperatures and a chance of precipitation are predicted through the week. Smoke impacts will be minimal. The fire is being managed and monitored for multiple objectives to allow the natural process to take place for forest health. Historically the forest was cleared of fuels and thinned by more frequent, smaller fires either by lightning or by Native Americans. Values to be protected include the Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp, the Tuolumne River, tail systems and bridges, wildlife habitat and other wilderness and cultural resources.


Big Meadow Fire

The Big Meadow fire, in the community of Foresta, began on August 26; the cause being an escaped prescribed fire. It was 100% contained September 10, and 7,425 acres were burned (11.6 sq.miles).The Big Meadow fire will continue to be in patrol status, as smoke will periodically be visible within the fire perimeter. Unburned islands of fuel remain and will continue to have heat and smoke emitting from them. This will continue until significant precipitation occurs. Campgrounds and trail closures: The Tamarack campground remains closed. Trail closures include: Old Big Oak Flat Trailhead to El Capitan, Rockslides to El Capitan and Tamarack Creek to El Capitan.


Safety Message: Although all roads are open through the fire area, drivers are requested to observe posted speed limits carefully as some fire equipment and other fire rehab units will be in the area working along roads. Use caution while driving in the early morning and later in the evening as occasional smoke may be visible along the roads. There is considerable interest by visitors travelling through the fire area. If you stop to observe the fire landscape we encouraged visitors to use pull-outs and turn-outs to observe the fire effects. Graded or paved areas along the roads and not venture into the ash areas as hot spots may remain.

For additional Information:
Yosemite Fire Information and Education Office: (209) 372-0480
Yosemite Fire Management Website: http://www.nps.gov/yose/fire