*Esterbrook Road (Converse County Road 5/7) is closed from mile marker 32 to the Albany/Converse County line  

MESQUITE BERRY FIRE
Size: 238 acres
Containment: 100%
Date Started: July 9, 2022

State resources from Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS) returned to the fire this morning. Crews patrolled the perimeter of the fire and cooled off any hot spots that were encountered, while dozers improved and secured control lines. Fire has been turned over to locals. TAMFS resources have cleared Mesquite Berry fire.

This site will no longer be updated.  Please contact local officials for any information needs.

July 13, 2022

Size: 554 acres
Containment: 100%
Date Started: July 9, 2022
Cause: Unknown, human caused

State resources from Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS) and Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) have completed mop-up and secured control lines. Engines and hand crew have spent the day patrolling and mopping up any areas of concern while heavy equipment. Any smokes that revealed themselves were cooled off. Hand crew has gridded through the green for heat and worked areas that were challenging for equipment.

All TAMFS and TIFMAS resources have cleared Deerhead Fire.

This site will no longer be updated.  Please contact local officials for any information needs. 

 

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: 50% (-1%)
Start Date: July 7, 2022                                                            Cause: Under Investigation
Size:  4,911 acres (+41)                                                             Number of Personnel Assigned: 1,534 (-49)

 

Weather/Fire Conditions: With a combination of heavy dead and down fuels and the weather remaining both dry and in a high heat advisory, firefighters are vigorously working to construct hand line west of Iron Creek and north of Mount Raymond. Crews are spiked out picking up spot fires in this division of the fire which continue to be successful. Fire personnel are in the patrolling and mop up phase while hazard tree mitigation operations remain in place along Yosemite’s Wawona Rd and Mariposa Grove.

Observed fire behavior has diminished by successful suppression activities in most portions of the fire’s growth. Having burn scars from 2017’s South Fork Fire provides for a great barrier to help with suppression of the fire by having little to no fuels for the fire to consume. Temperatures will reach the low-90s and relative humidity is predicted to be in the 15-24% range. . Expect moderate smoke activity on the eastern edge due to the amount of fuels burning off from wind storm wreckage over the winter. Down drainage wind flow will provide smoke accumulation in valleys while higher elevations will remain relatively clear.

 

For a detailed look at smoke conditions: Washburn Fire Smoke Report 

 

Wawona Repopulation: The community of Wawona is open ONLY to Wawona residents and property owners, with restrictions including specific time slots and escorts. Please read the Wawona repopulation Frequently Asked Questions .

Evacuations & Closures: Wawona, Wawona Road (Hwy 41) south of Yosemite West, and the Mariposa Grove are closed to the general public 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.

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 Wawona, 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 a small portion of the 1.3 million acre 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.

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

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

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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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

 
Access Questions

I’m a Wawona resident or property owner. When can I return to my home?

Residents and property owners may return to Wawona on Sunday, July 17, at 8 am. You must show a photo ID and a proof of residency document. Escort is mandatory when entering and leaving via Wawona Road between South Entrance and Wawona.

The following are residents or property owners:

·       All private property owners.

·       All permanent and seasonal NPS employees who reside in Wawona.

·       All residents of concessions (YH) and cooperator (YC, etc.) housing if included on a list provided to NPS. Speak to your supervisor to determine if you are on the access list.

PLEASE NOTE:  No homes or other structures were damaged by the fire. If you own a rental or vacation property but do not normally live in Wawona and can delay your trip several days, please do so if possible. The first goal is to return people to their year-round homes. Due to the amount of fire traffic that will remain in the community, minimizing traffic will remain important for some time. We are sympathetic to everyone's desire to see the results of this fire, but that will be here for years to come, so if you can delay your trip after we repopulate, we would greatly appreciate it.

If you checked into temporary NPS housing in another area of the park, please arrange a check-out with the housing office. If you need cleaning supplies to prepare for your check out, put in a work order with yose_fmd_customer_service_center@nps.gov.

Seasonal employees of South Entrance and Wawona Campground who were displaced, please contact David Miyako prior to returning to Wawona to discuss possible temporary duty locations.

WAWONA WILL REMAIN UNDER A FIRE ADVISORY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

What documentation is needed for proof of residency?

If you do not have a driver's license with a Wawona address, please have a deed or current utility bill with your name that matches your photo ID. Anyone who is not able to provide this information to the checkpoints will not be permitted access, including relatives and guests. This is to ensure security of your property. Checkpoints may be staffed by people who do not regularly work in Wawona or know you: everyone must show proof of identification and residency.

NPS employees in seasonal housing only need a photo ID and do not need residency documentation. Checkpoint staff will have a list of seasonal residents.

I’m a current concession or cooperator resident but my supervisor says I’m not on the list. When can I return? 

Work with your supervisor to determine when you may return to your Wawona housing.

When can I send someone to my property to check it or clean it? When can I have my contractor resume work on my property?

We will not allow contractors, employees or other people hired to clean/work on property initially. Structure protection, which includes numerous fire engines, woodchippers, dump trucks and the like, are still working in Wawona. Due to these road restrictions, we need to minimize traffic in the residential area. Please do not send these people up. We will communicate via Everbridge when this type of activity can resume. It will likely be the middle of this coming week.

Are there time restrictions on entry times?

Yes. Access to and from Wawona is possible only from 8 am to 8 pm daily. There is no overnight access in or out (except emergencies) due to fire traffic, hazards, and severe smoke. Escorts will be required in both directions between South Entrance and Wawona. Vehicles traveling from Yosemite Valley may enter unescorted, but only from 8 am to 8 pm. This restriction will be assessed daily and lifted as soon as possible. We will communicate via Everbridge when the restriction changes or ends.

When will escorts occur? Why are they happening?

Inbound traffic will queue at South Entrance. Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow ID checks and permit issuance. Escorts will occur at:

·       8 am

·       12 noon

·       4 pm

·       8 pm

Outbound traffic will queue at the dirt bus parking across from the Wawona gas station. Please arrive 15 minutes early to allow ID checks and permit issuance. Escorts will occur at:

·       8:30 am

·       12: 30 pm

·       4:30 pm

·       8:30 pm

Do not enter the roadway if you miss the escort. Please wait for the next one or leave Wawona northbound toward the Valley.

Due to fire vehicle and aircraft activity, brief but frequent road closures will be necessary. To ensure your safety and allow continued firefighting efforts, escorts are required until aircraft activity is lessened. We will lift this restriction as soon as we can.

I’m a resident of Yosemite West or I commute on Wawona Road. When can I use Wawona Road to or from South Boundary to commute?

Starting at 8 am on Monday, July 18, people who reside or work in Yosemite National Park or Yosemite West may use Wawona Road for commuting purposes. Visitors, including vacation rental guests, will NOT be allowed on Wawona Road south of Yosemite West until further notice. This restriction will be reassessed daily. As soon as firefighting operations allow the restriction to be lifted, we will allow access to everyone. We will be working to allow this as soon as possible.

When can non-resident employees who work in Wawona return to work?

All employees may return to work in Wawona at 8 am on Monday, July 18, with supervisory approval. Check with your supervisor (Yosemite Hospitality, NPS, and all cooperators) to verify your date, time, and place to report.

When can I start having renters at my Wawona vacation rental and when will Wawona open to the general public?

There is no estimate for when Wawona will open to the general public. The incident commander will reassess daily. When firefighting operations make this possible, we will allow access.

Public Services

When will US mail and other delivery systems (UPS, FedEX) resume?

Ground shipping companies can resume service on Monday, July 18. USPS delivery is pending. Wawona mail will remain available at the post office in Yosemite Village until full delivery is restored to Wawona.

Will the grocery stores be open?

The Pine Tree Market is open from 8 am to 8 pm. Wawona Store opening is pending.

When will YARTS service resume?

This has not been determined at this time. YARTS is providing service between Fresno and Tenaya Lodge.

Hazards

Will we have to evacuate Wawona again?

The fire advisory remains in effect until further notice. Be prepared to evacuate should fire behavior require it. Ensure you are signed up for Yosemite National Park Everbridge notifications.

How is the air quality?

Air quality has been in the unhealthy and hazardous category daily, normally overnight and in the mornings. Those in sensitive categories may consider delaying returning to Wawona. We recommend checking fire.airnow.gov for air quality updates. A daily smoke outlook is also available. Wawona Community Center will be set up as a clean air location and may be used by residents and employees for respite. Consider wearing a properly fitted N95 respirator if working outside. Smoke particulates are a true health risk, and you should heed recommendations related to smoke exposure.

What is the COVID-19 situation in Wawona?

Fire crews have traveled from across the country to assist with this fire and many residents have been sharing space indoors. Those who evacuated have likely been sheltering in areas that have a high transmission of COVID-19. Mariposa and Madera counties are still at a high transmission level. Please be aware there is potential for increased COVID-19 cases because of this. Testing early and often can help reduce the risk for spread. Free at-home test kits provided by Mariposa County will be available while supplies last for pick up by residents at the Pine Tree Market from 8 am to 8 pm.

Can I day hike around Wawona? (Meadow Loop, Chowchilla Mountain Road, Four Mile Road, Alder Creek, South Fork, Deer Camp, Swinging Bridge, all trails to the Grove, etc.)

No. Large areas of wilderness and front country areas are closed under a public safety closure. Please refer to the closure map and the closure page for the current closure information. Remain at your property and limit driving and walking around Wawona as much as possible to allow fire crews to continue their work.

Will the Mariposa Grove be accessible?

No. All trails to and within the Mariposa Grove, the Mariposa Grove Road, and the Welcome Plaza are closed until further notice.

Is Chowchilla Mountain Road open?

No. It will remain closed until the public safety closure for the area is lifted.

What else do I need to know about returning to Wawona?

·       There are a lot of people and vehicles along the Wawona Road.

o   Aircraft flying over the road requires frequent and recurring road closures.

o   Firefighters and engines are still in place throughout Wawona for structure protection. Minimize driving around Wawona.

o   Do not drive to the golf course to watch helicopters.

o   Stay on your property as much as possible.

o   Firefighters are camping in various places around the community. This is an authorized activity.

o   NO RENTAL GUESTS and NO VISITOR ACCESS. This includes guests in your housing.

·       Power was not disrupted, so spoiled food should not be an issue.

Who do I contact if I still have questions?

yose_alerts@nps.gov

  

PRATHER, CA (July 15, 2022) – The Sierra National Forest, High Sierra Ranger District, will be reopening the newly renovated Kirch Flat Group Site to the public beginning on July 15, 2022.

Located along the Upper Kings River, above Pine Flat Lake, this newly renovated group site offers visitors brand new restrooms facilities, tables, fire rings, trash service, interpretative displays about the area, designated parking, a beach area for fishing, lounging, or whitewater raft take out. Site is designed for tent camping and may be able to accommodate a smaller trailer (25 feet). Only one trailer would fit in this site. Large trailers are not recommended for this group site.

The Kirch Flat Group Site will be reservable online through www.recreation.gov for the service fee of $8/reservation. Reservations will only be accepted online for the group site beginning July 15, 2022. After the fee proposal is approved, a new press release will be announced as to when implementation of the fees will begin. The group site will then be reservable for $100 per night. In addition to a $5 fee for each vehicle over the site limit of 14.

“We recognize how important the forest is to our local communities and those who visit the forest. These fees are a critical component to the sustainability of the recreation sites and ensuring the community is proud of the amenities provided by the Forest. I am excited about the opening of Kirch Flat. The campground renovations highlight a new era in the Sierra’s dedicated service to the public,” stated Dean Gould, Forest Supervisor.

 

For more information on Kirch Flat Group Site, contact the High Sierra Ranger District office at (559) 855-5355 ext. 0 or visit us at https://www.fs.usda.gov/sierra.

###

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

 

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: https://instagram.com/yosemitefire/                         Website: Yosemite NP     Sierra NF

 

Location: Yosemite National Park, Mariposa Grove                       Percent Contained: 31%
Start Date: July 7, 2022                                                            Cause: Under Investigation
Size: 4,759 acres                                                                       Number of Personnel Assigned: 1,534

 

Weather/Fire Conditions: Continued warm and dry weather with active to very active fire behavior. This active behavior will include group torching and runs of intense fire in the crowns of trees on the eastern side of the fire. 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 20-30% range. Weather and fuels will continue to produce a large smoke column each afternoon. Expect smokey conditions. For a more detailed look at smoke conditions: Washburn Fire Smoke Report

It should be noted that to date, there have been no structures lost or serious injuries on the Washburn Fire.

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 acre 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.

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 and 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.

Wawona Evacuation Update: 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. Fire conditions, behavior and weather continue to be assessed every 24 hours in order to prepare for re-population.  Conditions have continued to improve. A structure defense group remains in the community and there has not been any damage or loss of either the Wawona Hotel or private structures.

Fire Progression: For a daily summary of the fire with Matt Ahearn, Operations Section Chief for California Interagency Incident Management Team 13. Search: http://facebook.com/yosemitefire or on Facebook search: Washburn Fire Morning Briefing with Team 13 (California Interagency Incident Management Team 13)

Using Fire to Fight Fire: There have been quite a few questions related to the use of introduced fire to slow the wildfire progress. Firefighters are attacking the fire with fire, or using what we call “offensive fire.” For a visual description of this tactic visit this link: Offensive Fire

Evacuations & Closures: Wawona, Wawona Road (Hwy 41) south of Yosemite West, and the Mariposa Grove are closed until further notice. 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. The Rest of the Park Remains Open and reservations are still required; visit www.recreation.gov. The South Entrance remains closed.

 

##

  CLOVIS, Calif. July 14, 2022 – As firefighters pursue the Washburn Fire using a coordinated full suppression strategy, the fire remains active on the Sierra National Forest during hot and dry conditions.

To aid firefighters and protect public safety during the Washburn Fire, Forest Routes 5S43 White Chief Mountain Rd., 5S06 Mt. Raymond Rd., 5S22 Big Sandy Rd., 6S10 Sky Ranch Rd., 5S40Y Lost Lake Rd., 5240Z Lost Lake Rd., 5S04 Chiquito Lake Rd., 5S70A Red Top Rd. and 5S37 have been closed to the public. Please see the map attached (Links Below).  

On the evening of July 7, 2022, a wildfire ignited in Yosemite National Park on the Washburn Trail. By July 14, 2022, the Washburn Fire had grown to more than 4,416 acres and is currently at 23% containment, and is currently most active on the Sierra National Forest. The fire is moving east along the South Fork of Merced River in a remote river canyon making access very challenging. The fire is impacting wilderness, main forest roads and recreation areas. This calls for significant firefighting and Forest Service resources to help fight the Washburn Fire.

For these reasons, these forest lands and roads near the southern boundary of Yosemite National Park need to be closed for the safety of the public and firefighters.   The lands affected by this expanded closure are now less than 3% of the 1.3 million acre Sierra National Forest. Scoping regarding this temporary closure involved discussions with multiple local, state, and federal agency cooperators.  

This Forest Order 05-15-00-22-15 will be effective from July 15, 2022, through August 1, 2022. USFS law enforcement will be on patrol, and thank you in advance to all members of the public for avoiding the closure area so that all incident personnel may stay focused on the difficult work that remains.