Monday Operations Map

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Engines: 244 Water Tenders: 47 Helicopters: 14 Crews: 92 Dozers: 77 Total Personnel: 3,766

July 29, 2018 - Brian Hughes, captain of the Arrowhead Interagency Hotshots out of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, died today in the line of duty on the Ferguson Fire. The fatal incident occurred earlier this morning. Hughes, 33, and his crew were operating in a complex area when he was struck by a tree. He was treated on scene, but passed away before he could be transported to a hospital. Media inquiries regarding Hughes should be directed to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks at 559-565-3704.

Firefighters spent the day mopping up hot spots, containing a minor fire that slopped over a containment line near Eagle Peak, and preparing for nighttime tactical burning. Officials reported the fire grew by 835 acres throughout the day and was at 54,481 acres as of 6:00 p.m. Containment is at 30 percent.

Firefighters will conduct nighttime tactical firing operations when humidity levels, temperatures and winds are more favorable. Crews will fire lines further south along Wawona Road (Highway 41) from Henness Ridge toward Wawona Campground. Further south, crews secured containment lines around Roundtree Saddles and prepped containment lines for upcoming firing operations toward Chowchilla Mountain and Wawona Campground.

Securing the southeast quadrant of the fire is a priority in keeping the fire from spreading into Yosemite National Park and the more populated areas south of the park.

Firefighters completed firing near the Ferguson rockslide the previous night along the fire’s northwestern corner. Crews will fire from Merced Grove tonight. Firefighters had widened containment lines around Anderson Valley last night in anticipation of the burns.

Residents can expect to see increased smoke during the next few days as these firing operations continue.

Tactical firing is an effective way to reduce fuel loads while simultaneously widening or extending containment lines. It can reduce the duration and intensity of wildfires, particularly by decreasing available fuels as the fire approaches containment lines.

During all tactical firing operations on the Ferguson Fire, firefighters and law enforcement maintain a presence in evacuated communities to ensure homes and structures remain safe.

Air quality is likely to decrease as a result of increased smoke from the firing operations. Residents can monitor the latest air quality and health advisories at:

• https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/YosemiteArea
• https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/SouthernSierra