Washburn Fire Daily Update for July 29 2022
Related Incident: Washburn Fire
Publication Type: News
Washburn Fire Update- Isolated thunderstorms over the Sierra Crest moved westward towards the Washburn fire yesterday afternoon with light showers reaching the fire area near the Iron Creek and South Fork Merced River. Temperatures remained warm with high temperatures reaching the upper 70s near the upper elevations of the fire and the low 90s in Wawona.
A helicopter patrolling the fire yesterday noticed a previously unburned pocket of vegetation several-hundred feet south of the South Fork Merced River, which is being used as the control feature for the northern flank. Today, helitack crews will be flown into this portion of the fire to ensure the burning logs and brush can’t threaten the control line in this remote portion of the fire. Fire resources will continue to hike into the Star Lakes and will likely set up a pump operation to fully secure the fire burning in and around the large rock screes. All of the suppression repair work occurring on the fire over the last week has been completed.
Air Quality- For information, visit: airnow.gov.
Wawona Reopen - Wawona town, Wawona Hotel, and surrounding trails are open. Mariposa Grove of the Giant Sequoias (and trails to it), as well as Wawona Campground, remain closed until further notice. At this time, there is not an estimated opening date. All other areas of Yosemite are open, although a reservation is required to drive into the park if arriving between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Highways Reopened- Highway 140 through Mariposa County to Yosemite National Park is open to all lanes of traffic. Wawona Road (Highway 41) has also reopened. Please drive carefully as fire suppression vehicles and equipment are still in the area.
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 near the Mariposa Grove on July 7, 2022, please contact 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
Washburn Fire Daily Update for July 28 2022
Related Incident: Washburn Fire
Publication Type: News
Today, temperatures will become seasonably warm and dry with limited potential of thunderstorms over the Sierra Crest in the afternoon. Crews will continue to focus their efforts on the remaining area of heat burning within the large rock screes surrounding Star Lakes just north of Mount Raymond. Many of the resources that have worked hard the last several weeks to get control of the Washburn fire are being sent back to their home units to reset before becoming available for their next assignment. California Incident Management Team 15 thanks these emergency responders for their professionalism and hard work while on the Washburn Incident.
Oak Fire- The Oak Fire is now 39% contained at 19,156 acres. This fire is currently burning west of Yosemite in the Mariposa/Midpines area, 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).
Air Quality- For information, visit: airnow.gov.
Wawona Reopening Today - The community of Wawona (including the Wawona Hotel and vacation rentals) will reopen to the today, 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 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Highway 140 Reopened- As of 8:15 p.m. on Tuesday, July 27, 2022, Highway 140 through Mariposa County to Yosemite National Park is open to all lanes of traffic. Please drive carefully as fire suppression vehicles and equipment are still in the area.
Wawona Road (Highway 41) has reopened as of 6 a.m. 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 near the Mariposa Grove on July 7, 2022, please contact 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
Washburn Fire Daily Update for July 27 2022
Related Incident: Washburn Fire
Publication Type: News
Location: Yosemite National Park, Mariposa Grove
Percent Contained: 91%
Start Date: July 7, 2022
Cause: Human Caused/Under Investigation
Size: 4,881 Acres
Number of Personnel Assigned: 343
Resources Assigned: 8 Hand Crews, 6 Helicopters, 8 Engines, 1 Dozer, 3 Water Tenders
Fire Information: Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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 increased yesterday causing late afternoon thunderstorms to develop east of the fire along the Sierra Crest. A similar weather pattern is expected today, with increasing clouds, potential thunderstorms, and slightly lower temperatures. Most of the suppression efforts still occurring on the fire are focused around the Star Lakes area. The remaining heat sources are burning in and around large granite rock screes, making access difficult, but also limiting the chance that the fire will burn much farther from its current location. Hotshot crews will continue to hike in and check this area each day and the National Infrared Operations airplane will provide updated intelligence each night that will be monitored. The crews continue to make good progress on their fire suppression repair efforts.
Oak Fire- The Oak Fire is now 32% contained at 18,715 acres. This fire is currently burning west of Yosemite in the Mariposa/Midpines area, 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.
Highway 140 Reopened- As of 8:15 p.m. on Tuesday, July 27, 2022, Highway 140 through Mariposa County to Yosemite National Park is open to all lanes of traffic. Please drive carefully as fire suppression vehicles and equipment are still in the area.
Wawona Road (Highway 41) has reopened as of 6 a.m. on Saturday, July 23.
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 a.m. and 4 p.m.
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 near the Mariposa Grove on July 7, 2022, please contact 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
Washburn Fire Daily Update for July 26 2022
Related Incident: Washburn Fire
Publication Type: News
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
Washburn Fire Daily Update for July 25 2022
Related Incident: Washburn Fire
Publication Type: News
Percent Contained: 87%
Start Date: July 7, 2022
Cause: Human Caused/Under Investigation
Size: 4,866 acres
Number of Personnel Assigned: 694
Resources Assigned: 16 Hand Crews, 8 Helicopters, 18 Engines, 1 Dozer, 16 Water Tenders
Fire Information: Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Phone: 209-819-7246
Email: 2022.washburn@firenet.gov
Washburn Fire Update- The warm and dry weather pattern will persist for another day over the fire area. The recent dry conditions have allowed firefighters to seek out the remaining portions of heat near the control lines and extinguish them. This operation is referred to as “mopping-up” and is critical to ensure all control lines are secure before firefighters are extracted by helicopter from the more remote portions of the fire. Crews are being assisted by the National Infrared Operations airplane which flies over the fire every night and provides an updated map of the heat sources across the burned area and is used to highlight the location of the hot areas.
Today, resources will focus on mopping-up hot spots near the control lines, backhauling equipment no longer being used, and rehabilitating the areas impacted during fire suppression efforts. Temperatures will remain seasonably warm with continued low humidity values. The main smoke plume from the Oak fire is forecasted to stay north of the Washburn fire. Increasing cumulus clouds are expected to build up to the east of the fire over the Sierra Crest during the afternoon and evening hours. There is a slight chance of isolated showers overnight into Tuesday morning, but wetting rains are not forecasted with less than 0.10 inches expected.
Grub Fire- A new fire start was reported yesterday just after 5:00pm in Ahwahnee, CA. Thanks to an aggressive initial attack by state and federal resources, all forward progress was stopped.
Oak Fire- The Oak Fire currently sits at 16,791 acres and is 10% contained. The Oak Fire started on Friday, July 22nd at Highway 140 and Carstens Road, near Midpines, CA (outside of Yosemite National Park boundaries). Highway 140 and surrounding roads have closures in effect. 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).
Wawona Road (Highway 41) has reopened as of 6:00 am on Saturday, July 23.
Washburn Fire Daily Update for July 24 2022
Related Incident: Washburn Fire
Publication Type: News
Washburn Fire
Incident Update July 24, 2022
Location: Yosemite National Park, Mariposa Grove
Percent Contained: 79%
Start Date: July 7, 2022
Cause: Human Caused/Under Investigation
Size: 4,857 acres
Number of Personnel Assigned: 775
Resources Assigned: 31 Hand Crews, 8 Helicopters, 43 Engines, 2 Dozers, 17 Water Tenders, 1 Masticator
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: Yosemite NP Sierra NF
Twitter: Yosemite NP
Instagram: Yosemite NP
Website: Yosemite NP Sierra NF
Washburn Fire Update- One of the main indicators of seasonal fire danger is an index called the Energy Release Component. The extended drought conditions and very dry airmass over the area yesterday resulted in the highest Energy Release Component rating ever recorded for the Central Sierra Predicted Service Area. These conditions were the cause for rapid rates of spread when the Oak Fire ignited on Friday. The Oak Fire is burning approximately 12-miles west of the Washburn fire. Coordination is occurring between fire managers and both air and ground resources responded from the Washburn Fire to assist in the suppression efforts occurring on the Oak Fire.
Wawona Road (Highway 41) has reopened as of 6:00 am on Saturday, July 23.
Call/Text – (888)-653-0009 Email- nps_isb@nps.gov Online: Submit a Tip
Forest Order No 0515512217 Sierra NF Washburn Fire Closure 72222
Related Incident: Washburn Fire
Publication Type: Closures
Washburn Fire Daily Update for July 23 2022
Related Incident: Washburn Fire
Publication Type: News
Start Date: July 7, 2022 Cause: Human Caused/Under Investigation
Size: 4,856 acres Number of Personnel Assigned: 1,330
Email: 2022.washburn@firenet.gov Online Updates: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8209/
Facebook: Yosemite NP Sierra NF Twitter: Yosemite NP Sierra NF
Instagram: Yosemite NP Website: Yosemite NP Sierra NF
California Interagency Incident Management Team 15 (CAIIMT15) assumed command of the Washburn Fire yesterday evening at 7pm. CAIIMT15 is led by Incident Commander Jim Harris.
Highway 41 Reopening- Highway 41 (Wawona Rd.) has reopened as of 6:00 am on Saturday, July 23 . Visitors are permitted to travel from the South Entrance to Yosemite Valley. Reservations are still required.
Washburn Fire Update- The fire is burning within an area rated as “Exceptional Drought”, the most severe rating issued by the U.S. Drought Monitor. This rating is caused by several years of persistent drought and a year that has received approximately 50% of normal rainfall. These drought conditions have left dead fuels in and around the fire area at record dry levels. Due to the hard work of fire resources, most of the fire perimeter is holding within control lines.
Today, activity is expected to be isolated to the interior portions of the fire as the extremely dry ground fuels continue to burn themselves out with limited threat to the control lines. Hotshot and helitack crews will continue to staff the remote and rugged sections of the fire along the south fork of the Merced River and the portion above Iron Creek. A persistent warm and dry weather pattern will remain in place with high temperatures in the upper 80s, minimum humidity of 15%, and afternoon westerly winds around 15 mph over the upper elevations.
Oak Fire- A new fire has started outside of Yosemite National Park boundaries called the Oak Fire. The Oak Fire started on Carstens Road near Highway 140, in the Midpines area of Mariposa County, cause is under investigation. CAL FIRE and US Forest Service- Sierra National Forest are responding unified command. For more information call 844-MMU-FIRE (844-668-3473) or visit https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2022/7/22/oak-fire/
##
Washburn Fire Daily Update for July 22 2022
Related Incident: Washburn Fire
Publication Type: News
Location: Yosemite National Park, Mariposa Grove Percent Contained: 79%
Start Date: July 7, 2022 Cause: Under Investigation
Size: 4,856 acres Number of Personnel Assigned: 1,330
Weather/Fire Conditions: The fire is continuing to burn slowly in thick unburned fuels on the northeast and eastern edge of the fire. Firefighters continue to make solid gains of containment with the handline along the South Fork of the Merced River working east across difficult terrain. The fireline around Mount Raymond continues to hold and conditions in that section continue to improve. Crews continue to mop-up and patrol along Wawona Rd (Yosemite’s Highway 41) as well as around Mariposa Grove to maintain the containment lines. Crews are backhauling hose laid during the initial stages of the fire as suppression-repair status begins. Nighttime operations have been discontinued. The weather forecast predicts temperatures in the high 80s to 90s with humidity in the upper teens to mid 20s. Light winds will push the smoke west with some lingering in drainages. For smoke conditions visit: Washburn Fire Smoke Report
Hwy. 41 Reopening: On Saturday, July 23 @ 6:00 a.m. visitors will be allowed to pass-through from the South Entrance to Yosemite Valley on Hwy. 41. Reservations are still required.
Wawona Repopulation: The community of Wawona is currently open ONLY to Wawona residents, property owners, and NPS employees. Please read the Wawona repopulation Frequently Asked Questions. And for any alerts in Yosemite National Park keep updated by visiting: http://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/news/repopulation.htm This is assessed daily.
Closures: The Mariposa Grove, Wawona Hotel, Wawona rental cabins and Wawona Campground remain closed to the general public until further notice, this is evaluated daily, stay tuned to daily updates. All other areas of Yosemite National Park are open. For more information visit: www.recreation.gov.
Yosemite National Park Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions are in effect below 8,000 feet of elevation and smoking is restricted park wide until further notice. The residences of Wawona, El Portal, and Foresta are on a strict fire restriction due to extreme potential fire danger. For more information visit: Yosemite National Park Fire Restrictions
Sierra National Forest Washburn Fire Closure Order: The Washburn Fire is active on the Sierra National Forest. To aid firefighters and protect the public, the Sierra National Forest has a Fire Closure Forest Order effective from July 15, 2022 through August 1, 2022. The 8 closed roads are on the Bass Lake Ranger District: 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. For a detailed description including a map, please view the following link: Forest Order 05-15-00-22-15. The lands affected are less than 3% of the 1.3 million acre Sierra National Forest. Please be advised that USFS law enforcement patrols these areas. We 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.
Fire Restrictions are currently in effect on the Sierra National Forest and we appreciate your support in following them. For more information: Sierra NF Fire Restrictions
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
Washburn Fire Daily Update for July 21 2022
Related Incident: Washburn Fire
Publication Type: News
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/
Facebook: Yosemite NP Sierra NF Twitter: Yosemite NP Sierra NF
Instagram: Yosemite NP Website: Yosemite NP Sierra NF
Location: Yosemite National Park, Mariposa Grove Percent Contained: 58%
Start Date: July 7, 2022 Cause: Under Investigation
Size: 4,856 acres Number of Personnel Assigned: 1,330
Weather/Fire Conditions: The fire continues to burn slowly in thick unburned fuels on the northeast and eastern edge of the fire. Firefighters continue to make solid gains of containment with the handline along the South Fork of the Merced River working east with the Inyo Hotshots using pump systems out of the river to assist them. 9 hotshot crews are working this section in difficult terrain. Spotfires have been greatly reduced in this area. The fireline around Mount Raymond is holding and conditions in that section have greatly improved. Crews continue to mop-up and patrol along Wawona Rd (Yosemite’s Highway 41) as well as around Mariposa Grove. Crews are now beginning to backhaul the hose they laid in the initial stages of the Washburn Fire as the fire begins to move into suppression-repair status in certain sections. The forecast predicts temperatures in the high 80s to 90s with humidity in the upper teens to mid 20s. Light winds will push the smoke west with some lingering in drainages. For smoke conditions: Washburn Fire Smoke Report
Wawona Repopulation: The community of Wawona is open ONLY to Wawona residents, property owners, and NPS employees. Please read the Wawona repopulation Frequently Asked Questions. And for any alerts in Yosemite National Park keep updated by visiting: http://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/news/repopulation.htm
Closures: Wawona, Wawona Road (Hwy 41) south of Yosemite West, and the Mariposa Grove are closed to the general public until further notice and it is evaluated daily. 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.
Yosemite National Park Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions are in effect below 8,000 feet of elevation and smoking is restricted park wide until further notice. The residences of Wawona, El Portal, and Foresta are on a strict fire restriction due to extreme potential fire danger. For more information visit: Yosemite National Park Fire Restrictions
Sierra National Forest Washburn Fire Closure Order: The Washburn Fire is active on the Sierra National Forest. To aid firefighters and protect the public, the Sierra National Forest has a Fire Closure Forest Order effective from July 15, 2022 through August 1, 2022. The lands affected are less than 3% of the 1.3 million acre Sierra National Forest. The 8 closed roads are on the Bass Lake Ranger District: 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. For a detailed description including a map, please view the following link: Forest Order 05-15-00-22-15. Please be advised that USFS law enforcement is on patrol. We 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.
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