Ferguson Fire Photo credit: Blake-Scott - NPS
July 24, 2018 - Awahanee, CA. - The Ferguson Fire was relatively calm throughout much of the area Tuesday. A heavy inversion layer kept fire activity to a minimum. The fire grew 1,693 acres to a total of 37,795 acres at 26 percent containment. North of the Merced River on the Stanislaus National Forest, firefighters constructed indirect containment lines up Soapstone Ridge, opening old roads near the burn scar of the 2013 Rim Fire. Crews strengthened and improved containment lines east toward Eagle Peak and down to El Portal.
Along the eastern edge of the fire, crews were successful initiating strategic firing operations to remove unburned vegetation between containment lines and the fire. Crews also evaluated structures for defensible space.
South of the Merced River on the Sierra National Forest, containment lines were secured from Jerseydale across to Wawona Campground. Crews will continue planning strategic firing operations to help build a wider buffer to stop the fire’s spread.
Yosemite National Park closure: Yosemite National Park officials announced closures to the Yosemite Valley and Wawona areas, as well as the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, effective noon on Wednesday, July 25. With the ongoing closure of Highway140, visitors can exit the park using Highways 120 and 41. For information on Yosemite National Park, go to: nps.gov/yose or call 209-372-0200.
Repopulation: Mariposa County law enforcement began incremental repopulation of the Jerseydale and Mariposa Pines communities this evening.
Community Meetings: Representatives from the U.S. Forest Service, CAL FIRE and Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office will present an overview of the current situation and containment efforts at two upcoming community meetings:
- Greeley Hill: 6:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 25, at the Greeley Hill Community Center. ('Click' here to full information)
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