Single Publication

Washburn Fire
Incident Update- July 26, 2022

Location: Yosemite National Park, Mariposa Grove
Percent Contained: 87%
Start Date: July 7, 2022                                                                      
Cause: Human Caused/Under Investigation 

Size: 4,875 acres                                                                                
Number of Personnel Assigned: 461

Resources Assigned: 13 Hand Crews, 8 Helicopters, 8 Engines, 5 Water Tenders

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

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

Facebook: @YosemiteFire     @SierraNF                                            
Twitter: @YosemiteFire     @Sierra_NF

Instagram: @YosemiteFire                                                     

Websites: https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm                           
https://www.fs.usda.gov/sierra

Washburn Fire Update- Monsoonal moisture began to increase across the region yesterday afternoon with cumulus buildup visible to the east of the Washburn fire over the Sierra Crest. Moisture will increase again today with thunderstorm activity becoming more widespread. The clouds and moisture will help keep temperatures a few degrees cooler with highs in the mid-80s and humidity values around 25%. These conditions are an improvement from the recent persistent hot and dry weather pattern and will assist fire crews in increasing containment of the fire in the coming days.  

Yesterday, the helitack crew using “coyote tactics” were extracted from the north flank, where the fire is holding along the South Fork Merced River. Coyote tactics are used when crews sleep out near the fire's edge along remote portions of the fire and are logistically supported by helicopters. This helps limit exposure being transported in and out of the fire each day and increases the efficiency of their operations. Most of the heat left across the fire is smoldering logs well within the containment lines. Fire crews continue to coordinate with local agency Resource Advisors to ensure impacts that occurred during suppression efforts are repaired where possible.   

Oak Fire- The Oak Fire is now 26 % contained at 18,087 acres. This fire is currently burning west of Yosemite in the Mariposa/Midpines area, and has caused the closure of Highway 140 west of Mariposa. Information for the Oak Fire can be found by visiting: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2022/7/22/oak-fire/ or by calling 844-MMU-FIRE (844-668-3473).  For information about air quality, visit airnow.gov.

Wawona Reopening Scheduled- The community of Wawona (including the Wawona Hotel and vacation rentals) will reopen to the public on Thursday, July 28, at noon.  The wilderness area north of Wawona opened, Monday, July 25, and the fire advisory has been lifted for the wilderness area.  The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and the Wawona Campground remain closed due to the Washburn fire. All other areas of Yosemite are open, although a reservation is required to drive into the park if arriving between 6 am and 4 pm. Wawona Road (Highway 41) has reopened as of 6:00 am on Saturday, July 23.

Washburn Fire Forest Closure- Forest Order No. 05-15-51-22-27- Effective July 23, 2022 through August 1, 2022, the following roads remain closed: Mt. Raymond Road, Big Sandy Road, White Chief Mtn. Road, Sky Ranch Road (Between its intersections with FS Road 5S40Z and 6S07), Lost Lake Road, Chiquito Lake Road, and Red Top Road.  For more information, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sierra/alerts-notices/?aid=74510

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: www.nps.gov/orgs/1563/submit-a-tip.htm