Wednesday Morning South Fork Fire Perimeter Map
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Note: Click here for Tuesday's information on the South Fork Fire in Yosemite National Park
August 16, 2017 - The South Fork Fire began about Sunday morning at 2:30 A.M. The South Fork Fire is burning in the South Fork of the Merced River, 1 mile upstream from Swinging Bridge.
It is on a south south-west aspect in steep, rocky, inaccessible terrain.
(Left) South Fork Fire in Yosemite National Park August 14, 2017 - Credit: NPS
The fire is burning in an area of heavy tree mortality due to bark beetle infestation and poor forest health. Due to the proximity of the community of Wawona, as well as the challenging terrain, the primary objective is firefighter and public safety.
Update: 8:55 A.M.
Operational Changes Due To South Fork Fire
There have been some changes to services available to the public so please make sure you are familiar with the most up to date information. Everyone’s flexibility, adaptability, and collaboration this week is really appreciated.
- Wawona Campground is closed.
- Bridalveil Creek Campground closes on Wednesday morning.
- Wawona trail (mule) rides are not operating.
- Big Trees Golf Course is closed.
- The Badger Pass-Glacier Point shuttle will not operate until further notice as the incident command post is occupying the Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area facility and parking lot. The Glacier Point Road will will remain open to the public however it will close periodically between 10am and 5pm each day when parking at Glacier Point fills to capacity (and will reopen when sufficient space is available). Traffic delays should be expected.
- A voluntary ban on wood fires is in place in Yosemite Valley to reduce smoke. A mandatory ban may be instituted in the days to come.
Update: 8:30 A.M. Wednesday Morning - Size: 2,296 Acres With 5% Containment
Update: 8:02 P.M. Tuesday Evening - Size: 1,700 acres
Basic Information
| Current as of | 8/15/2017, 8:02:58 PM |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Wildfire |
| Cause | Unknown |
| Date of Origin | Sunday August 13th, 2017 approx. 02:30 AM |
| Location | 1.5 miles east of the community of Wawona |
| Incident Commander | Jeff Pirog |
| Incident Description | Supression |
Current Situation
| Total Personnel | 253 |
|---|---|
| Size | 1,700 Acres |
| Estimated Containment Date | Sunday September 03rd, 2017 approx. 12:00 AM |
| Fuels Involved | Timber (Litter and Understory) Brush (2 feet) |
| Significant Events | Moderate creeping, backing, flanking |
Outlook
| Planned Actions | Continue to utilize air resources and tie fire into natural barriers. Assess need for trail closures. |
|---|---|
| Projected Incident Activity | 12 hours: Continue to aggressively suppress fire spread toward community of Wawona on west flank of fire. Camp Wawona and homes on Chilnualna Falls Ridge, voluntary evacuation. 24 hours: Prepare community for potential evacuations. 48 hours: Direct line construction on west edge of fire and actively monitor potential spread to avoid fire getting south of the South Fork of the Merced river. Aggressively suppress any spot fires in that area. 72 hours: Secure south edge of the fire and keep contained to South fork of Merced, secure west flank. Priority is protection of life and property of Wawona and Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias |
