The recent El Portal Fire dramatically affected many of us living and working in and around Yosemite National Park. For several days, local residents lived with anxiety and uncertainty. Families were evacuated from their homes and the communities of Foresta and Old El Portal. Businesses in and around the park were adversely affected as well.

In rugged and steep terrain, firefighting crews from around the country worked in 100-plus degree temperatures to control the wildfire. Sadly, several structures (including three homes) were lost during the fire. Injuries to firefighters were minimal. Through seamless teamwork and cooperation, several local, state and federal agencies worked together from the moment the fire ignited on July 26 to ensure the safety and security of our community and the protection of our public resources.

At Yosemite, our concerns, as well as the threat to life and property, were greatly alleviated with the remarkable responses of the interagency management teams, the firefighters, the aviation crews and pilots, and all of the other personnel that helped to suppress the El Portal Fire. Now that we have returned to our homes and work and the worst is behind us, it is important to recognize and applaud the exceptional professionalism of this team and the work they have done for our community. Without them, untold tragedy and distress would have severely impacted our region and Yosemite National Park.

On behalf of Yosemite National Park, I would like to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to the: Type 1 Interagency Incident Management Team 5, Sierra National Forest Type 3 Incident Management Team, Sierra and Stanislaus National Forests, Mariposa County Board of Supervisors, Mariposa County Sheriff's Office, Mariposa County Fire Department, CAL FIRE, Caltrans, California Highway Patrol, Red Cross, Delaware North Parks & Resorts at Yosemite, Inc., PG&E, lodging partners, visitor bureaus, and other agencies that contributed to the efforts in suppressing the fire and helping our community return to normal. Similarly, Yosemite National Park is thankful for the opportunity to support our partners in land management and wildland fire response.

Once again, we are all reminded of how fortunate we are to work and live with such talented, dedicated, and compassionate people.  On behalf of Yosemite National Park, we extend our sincere thanks and gratitude.


/s/ Don Neubacher
Superintendent
Yosemite National Park