September 10 Fire Update

The Tenaya wildfire began on the afternoon of September 7, 2015 and is being suppressed. The fire is located along both sides of the Lehamite Creek Trail from the north rim of the Valley to the Tioga Road and is visible from many locations within the park. The fire is currently at 431 acres with 10% containment.

Fire activity has significantly moderated in part due to the aviation assets and crews on scene. However, fire behavior remains active due to flanking and backing and some single and group tree torching. The firefighter efforts at the heel or anchor point are holding and good progress is being made on the flanks.

Yosemite fire crews are being augmented by hand crews, helicopters, air tankers, including the VLAT – Very Large Air Tanker, and fire management overhead. Assisting organizations and cooperators include the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and other National Park Service resources. There are 241 personnel committed to the fire.

Although the use of air tankers was initially discouraged, the use of retardant was necessary due to active and rapid fire spread. Key reasons include firefighter and visitor safety as well as risks to and closing the Tioga Road, negatively affecting the local communities that rely on park visitation, including the communities include Lee Vining, Mammoth Lakes, Groveland and Mariposa.

There are no threats to structures and no injuries have occurred. There is no estimated full containment date and the cause is being investigated.

Air quality will continue to be a factor in all outdoor activities.

All trails on the north rim of Yosemite Valley south of the Tioga Road and east of Yosemite Creek are closed. Currently no roads are closed within the park.