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Fire Information: Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM                  Phone: 209-819-7246 

Email: 2022.washburn@firenet.gov                                           Online Updates: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8209/

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Location: Yosemite National Park, Mariposa Grove                         Percent Contained: 51%

Start Date: July 7, 2022                                                             Cause: Under Investigation

Size: 4,864 acres                                                                        Number of Personnel Assigned: 1,583

 

Weather/Fire Conditions: Warm and dry weather persists as the fire continues to burn in heavy dead and down fuels in an old-growth forest landscape. Observed fire behavior has diminished by successful suppression activities in most portions of the fire. Firefighters continue to construct hand line in dense, dead, and down landscapes from wind-storms from Mount Raymond to Iron Creek and the South Fork of the Merced River. Fire scars in the north from the 2017 South Fork Fire are helping the cause by providing a barrier for limited spread and intensity. Mop up and hazard tree removal operations remain in place along Yosemite’s Wawona Rd and Mariposa Grove. Temperatures will reach the low-90s and relative humidity is predicted to be in the 20-30% range. Down drainage wind flow will provide smoke accumulation in valleys while higher elevations will remain relatively clear. The efforts of the entire team of fire personnel and support from the communities involved have greatly aided in the growth of success in containment. For a detailed look at smoke conditions: Washburn Fire Smoke Report 
 

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
 

Sierra National Forest Washburn Fire Closure Order: The Washburn Fire is now active on the Sierra National Forest. The lands affected are less than 3% of the 1.3 million acres 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 UDSA Forest Service 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.
 

Evacuations & Closures: 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 from 6:00 am – 4:00 pm; visit www.recreation.gov.
 

Tip Line: If you were at or near the Mariposa Grove on July 7, 2022, please contact the NPS Investigative Services Branch (ISB)       Call/Text – (888)-653-0009    Email- nps_isb@nps.gov Online: Submit a Tip