Ferguson Fire  Photo credit: Blake-Scott - NPS

July 22, 2018 - Awahanee, CA. - The Ferguson Fire — burning on both the Sierra and Stanislaus national forests — grew to 32,484 acres with 6% containment.

As the fire moved north toward the Montgomery Gulch and Anderson Valley areas, the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office issued a Mandatory Evacuation Order for residents of Old Yosemite Road in Groveland. Firefighters continued their defense of structures in the Jerseydale area and mop up work along the fire’s edge were safe to do so. Crews continued to strengthen the line that runs from El Portal southeast toward Wawona Road and Yosemite National Park with additional hose lays in preparation for future burnout operations. Firing operations in that area were planned for Sunday’s day shift but were halted because of adverse weather conditions.

The night shift will pick up where day crews left off by building indirect line east on Henness Ridge and crews are prepared to use these lines for firing operations when conditions become favorable. North of the Merced River, resources will improve direct line that is anchored in to the Merced River on the west side. Indirect line construction will continue, utilizing the Stanislaus National Forest road system where available.

South of the Merced River, firing operations from Sweetwater Ridge to the Merced River should be concluded. Mop up following firing operations will continue to strengthen control line on the west side of the fire.

The southeastern corner of the fire will continue to burn in the timbered areas of Granite Ridge, toward the Chowchilla Mountains. Resources have coordinated with Yosemite National Park to identify areas to establish indirect control lines.

Yosemite National Park remains open. For information on Yosemite National Park, go to: nps.gov/yose or call 209-372-0200.