Some essential information:
Fire began yesterday at approximately 12:30 PM with a motor home fire on Hwy 140.
About 11pm last night fire activity was backing along the slopes. Fire remains on both sides of the river East of Cedar Lodge and in Dry Gulch. Fire was fairly active. Highway 140 has a hard closure with active fire along the road and debris on the roadway. Highway140 closure is likely for all of today. The fire is estimated at 1000 acres.
Power was returned to Yosemite Valley and other areas sometime between midnight and 4am. Power may be intermittant.
Heavy use of aircraft and dozers today. 500+ fire fighters are on site today.
El Portal nonessential employees are granted administrative leave. Check the hotline (209-379-1186) for more information. If an essential employee, check with your supervisor regarding your status.
Possibility of Rancharia evacuation due to fire threatening the area and need for burnout operations. Decision will be made by IC. We will coordinate with the Sheriff and National Park Service.
A joint information center should be established to coordinate between the park, county fire, and fire ICS. Essential to have this up and running as soon as possible. I anticipate national attention and news trucks. Incident command post at Badger with use of Bridalveil campground. Type II Central Sierra team will be in place today.
A Yosemite fire information center has been established. Contact numbers are 209-372-0327 or 0329.
This is an evolving event and periodic updates will be available as often as possible.