July 29, 2018 - As part of the full suppression strategy being used to fight the Ferguson Fire, tactical firing operations will begin along the northern containment lines just south of the Tuolumne County line along Pilot Ridge.

The main body of the fire is still more than a mile away from the county line and four miles from Highway 120, and while an attempt was made to take a more direct approach at containing the fire on the north end at Soapstone Ridge, fuels and topography did not allow us to do so safely. This alternative plan is the safest way to contain the fire.

Ferguson operations personnel have done extensive prep work in the area and plan to utilize several features to ensure the fire remains south of the county line which runs along Pilot Ridge. Dozer line has been constructed and the burn scar from the 2013 Rim Fire will aid in the firing.

Firefighters will only engage in firing operations when weather conditions are in their favor, and while this operation will put substantial smoke in the air, it also will help reduce the duration of the fire and long-term harmful impacts.

Firefighters and law enforcement will maintain a presence in evacuated communities during all such operations to ensure home and structure safety.
Source & photo credit: USFS