A new fire, the Bald, was reported on June 24, 2011, by the Yosemite Helitack, and Stanislaus National Forest’s Pilot and Smith Peak fire look-outs. It is suspected this is a lightning caused fire holdover from the June 5, 2011 thunderstorms. Fire crews will investigate the site of the origin for cause determination.
Bald Fire: (37 50.823x119 47.434, approximate el. 6,200’, Tuolumne Co.) The fire is now 210 acres in size. Fire activity increased in the afternoon on June 25, 20111, moving toward the east. The suspected cause is lightning of June 5, 2011. The fire is in wilderness, but is within a zone where fires are put out due to threats to property, structures and other infrastructures. The fire is approximately 1.5 miles northwest of the community of Aspen Valley. Yesterday (6/26), Yosemite Firefighters were joined by “Hot Shot” crews from the Sequoia and Stanislaus National Forests and Sequoia National Park. In addition, the Stanislaus National Forest Helicopter will assist with air operations with water bucket drops and equipment hauling. Many fires have occurred in this area over the years due to lightning, the largest being the 1996 Ackerson Fire, which burned over 60 thousand acres in the Park. The fire is burning in a remote area and the terrain is steep and rugged. Firefighters indicated there was a moderate rate of fire spread and spotting through the brush. Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics (MIST) are being utilized by firefighters to minimize impacts to wilderness. For example, utilizing natural fires breaks of rock areas rather than cut hand line. Additional resources have been ordered including two more 20 person Hot Shot crews. A total of 130 firefighters will be on scene for today's operational period.
The Cottonwood/Ackerson Trailheads, access to Aspen Valley, are now blocked, signed and closed to hikers and pack stock.
Cottonwood Fire: (37.9043x119.8024, 5,000’ el., Tuolumne Co.) This fire was found on June 6, 2011, after a thunderstorm of June 5. A decision was made to put the fire out on June 23, 2011. The fire is in patrol status, and will monitored on a regular basis.
Smoke from the Bald Fire is visible from the Tioga Rd., west of White Wolf, and along the Evergreen Rd., near Ackerson Meadow, and in some locations along Highway 120 into the park from Buck Meadows. It is dispersing toward the northeast from the Bald Fire. This fire is remote will pose no health or driving hazards from smoke.