Re: Big Meadow Fire in Yosemite National Park Continues to Grow

Big Meadow Fire in Yosemite National Park Continues to Grow
Date: August 27, 2009

A prescribed fire set by Yosemite National Park Fire Crews yesterday has grown beyond the predetermined fire perimeter and full suppression efforts are in effect. The fire was originally slated to burn 90 acres, however it burned beyond the fire lines.

Once the fire began burning beyond the perimeter late yesterday morning, National Park Service (NPS) Firefighters began suppression efforts. However, the fire continued to grow and forced the closure of the Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120) from Crane Flat to the junction of the El Portal Road (Highway 140). NPS firefighters ordered additional resources (air tankers, bulldozers, ground crews, etc.) and continued to fight the fires throughout the evening.

Throughout last night and continuing through today, the fire has grown to 2,200 acres. No homes have been lost. Residents of Foresta and campers in the Crane Flat Campground were moved and there continues to be no access to these areas. Highway 120 in the park will remain closed until further notice.

Resources currently on the fire include approximately 500 firefighters, three helicopters, four air tankers, and 24 engines. Supporting agencies include Mariposa County, Stanislaus National Forest, Sierra National Forest, and Cal Fire.

The fire is currently 10% contained.

For additional fire information please visit http://www.nps.gov/yose/fire and http://www.nps.gov/fire/public/pub_firenews.cfm. In addition, visitors may call 209 372-0669 or 209 372-0327 for updated fire information during business hours.

MODIS 8/27/2009 1900 Big Meadow Fire, Yosemite National Park

There will be a Big Meadow Fire Information Meeting today (Friday, August 28) for the El Portal Community at 6:30pm at the Clark Community Center.