Single Publication

Location: Yosemite National Park, Mariposa Grove       Percent Contained: 37%

Start Date: July 7, 2022                                                Cause: Under Investigation

Size: 4,822 acres                                                           Number of Personnel Assigned: 1,623

Weather/Fire Conditions: Weather continues to stay consistently warm and dry with active to very active fire behavior. This active behavior will possibly include group torching as fire backs down to the Merced River and upstream near Iron Creek. Mop up and hazard tree removal operations are in place along Yosemite’s Wawona Rd and Mariposa Grove. Expect winds over the incident area to remain light to moderate and mostly terrain driven. Temperatures will reach the low-90s and relative humidity is predicted to be in the 22-32% range. For a detailed look at smoke conditions: Washburn Fire Smoke Report

It should be noted that to date all structures remain unharmed and no serious injuries have been inflicted on this incident.

Sierra National Forest Washburn Fire Closure Order: The Washburn Fire is now active on the Sierra National Forest. To aid firefighters and protect public safety during the Washburn Fire, the Sierra National Forest has issued a Washburn Fire Closure Forest Order:

Forest Order: 05-15-00-22-15: This order is effective from July 15, 2022 through August 1, 2022. For a detailed description including a map, please view the following link: Forest Order 05-15-00-22-15. All closure roads are on the Bass Lake Ranger District and they include: Road 5S06 Mtn. Raymond Rd, 5S22 Big Sandy Rd, 5S43 White Chief Mtn. Rd, 6S10 Sky Ranch Rd, 5S40Y Lost Lake Rd, 5S40Z Lost Lake Rd, 5S04 Chiquito Lake Rd, 5S70A Red Top Rd.

Additionally Off-roaders, to protect public and firefighter safety, please avoid the Kamook Staging Area. Firefighters are using the site for the staging of firefighting heavy equipment. An alternative spot is Lone Sequoia trailhead/campground on the 5S24 road about 2 miles from Hwy 41, or any dispersed site along the 5S15 road in Miami Trails.

Please be advised that USFS law enforcement will be on patrol. We would like to thank all members of the public for avoiding the closure area so that incident personnel may stay focused on the difficult and dangerous work that remains.

Yosemite National Park Fire Restrictions: Starting July 16, fire restrictions are in effect below 8,000 feet of elevation and smoking is restricted park wide. The residences of El Portal and Foresta are on a strict fire restriction due to high potential fire danger. For more information please visit Yosemite National Park Fire Restrictions

Wawona Evacuation Update: Structure defense groups are working to build contingency line on the northwest edge of the community of Wawona to further increase security. Stay-tuned for a resident re-population update in the very near future. To stay updated with alerts from Yosemite National Park sign up for the alert system: Yosemite Alert System. The protection of both life and property continues to be a top priority.

Evacuations & Closures: Wawona, Wawona Road (Hwy 41) south of Yosemite West, and the Mariposa Grove are closed until further notice. The South Entrance remains closed. All other areas of Yosemite National Park are open. Use El Portal Rd (Hwy 140) or Big Oak Flat Rd. (Hwy 120 East) or Tioga Rd (Hwy 120 West) to enter Yosemite. Reservations are still required; visit www.recreation.gov.

Tip Line: If you were at or near the Mariposa Grove on July 7, 202, please contact the NPS Investigative Services Branch (ISB) Call/Text – (888)-653-0009 Email- nps_isb@nps.gov