Updated for 11:25 P.M.
This evening emergency personnel were able to access the crash site of a CAL FIRE airtanker that had crashed near Yosemite National Park and determined that the pilot on board had died. The CAL FIRE airtanker (Tanker 81) based out of the Hollister Air Attack Base had been fighting the Dog Rock Fire near El Portal when officials lost contact with it late this afternoon.
The pilot’s family has requested we withhold release of the pilot’s name until all immediate family can be notified.
“This crash underscores just how inherently dangerous wildland firefighting is and the job is further compounded this year by extreme fire conditions,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE director. “We have secured the crash site and will be cooperating with the NTSB on their investigation.”
Source: Cal Fire
Updated at 8:15 P.M.
We are saddened to report that this afternoon one of our S2T air tankers crashed while fighting the Dog Rock Fire in Yosemite National Park. The rescue personnel are at scene working through extremely rough terrain to determine the condition of our pilot. Please join us in keeping our Pilot and their family in our thoughts and prayers.
Source: Cal Fire
Updated at 6:50 P.M.
Cal Fire Airtanker Incident
This afternoon contact was lost with one of our airtankers flying over a fire in Yosemite National Park. Emergency personnel are currently responding to the last known location of the aircraft. The airtanker was assigned to the Dog Rock Fire burning near Yosemite's Arch Rock. The status of the aircraft and the pilot have not been determined. Additional information will be provided as it's made available.
Source: Cal Fire
Updated at 5:38 P.M. 6:30 P.M.
Plane Associated With Yosemite Fire Has Crashed, Officials Say
Update at 5:35 P.M.
YARTS Buses Schedule Delayed Due to Dog Rock Fire in Yosemite
Update at 5:20 P.M.
A wildfire was reported around 2:45 p.m. this afternoon in the western portion of Yosemite National Park. The "Dog Rock Fire," is currently at 130 acres and multiple aircraft are en route to suppress the fire. Yosemite National Park fire crews, along with crews from several agencies, are working together in firefighting efforts.
The community of Foresta, consisting of approximately 60 homes, was evacuated for safety reasons. No structures have been affected at this time.
Highway 140 is closed at the park entrance for all incoming and outgoing traffic. The road is closed in the park at the Hwy 140/120 (El Portal Road/Big Oak Flat Road) junction.
There is no estimate on when the road will reopen. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Source: YNP
Update at 4:53 P.M.
The Dog Rock Fire began this afternoon at Dog Rock on Highway 140 between Yosemite View Lodge and the Arch Rock entrance station. The fire was reported around 2:45 this afternoon and is approximately 130 acres. Fire crews and aircraft are on scene and responding to the fire. The community of Foresta has been evacuated. Highway 140 is temporarily closed to all through traffic from park line near Yosemite View Lodge from the west and at the 120/140 junction from the east at this time. We don't anticipate the road opening within the next few hours.
The situation continues to evolve and we will keep you updated as best we can as we receive more information. Employee information can be found by calling the employee hotline at 209-379-1186. There are three fire information hotlines set-up at 209-372-0327, 372-0328, and 372-0329.
Evacuation orders issued for the Foresta Area of Yosemite National Park due to a wildfire.
Yosemite National Park service is requesting an evacuation order issued for the Foresta Area of Yosemite National Park due to a wildfire.
At this time no shelter has been established.
Instructions:
Evacuate the Area
