Credit: Team Rubicon
August 1, 2018 -
Engines: 203 Water Tenders: 43 Helicopters: 14 Crews: 95 Dozers: 62 Total Personnel: 3,558
Firefighters made progress toward full suppression on the Ferguson Fire throughout the night. Officials reported the fire grew by 4,809 acres overnight and was at 62,883 acres as of 6 a.m. Containment is at 39 percent.
Firefighters advanced tactical firing south along Wawona Road (Highway 41) toward Wawona Campground. Crews also approached the campground from the west, conducting firing operations from Crow Peak.
On the north end of the fire, crews conducted nighttime burning operations off the containment lines toward Yosemite’s Merced Grove of giant sequoias and along the Thirteen Road toward Pilot Peak.
Firefighters conducted firing operations from the 30X road outside of Yosemite West to start indirect containment of the fire which is spreading southeast from El Portal. Crews were able to perform firing operations near the edge of the fire to slow its progression. Firefighters are scouting locations to construct bulldozer and hand line to further contain the fire.
The high pressure system above the fire is weakening which will result in warmer and drier conditions. With lower winds speeds and the inversion layer forecasted to lift by midday, residents are likely to see taller smoke columns than they are used to seeing. Residents can monitor air quality and health advisories at:
· https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/YosemiteArea
· https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/SouthernSierra
Stanislaus National Forest closure: Stanislaus National Forest officials closed several roads and trails on the Groveland Ranger District within the vicinity of the Ferguson Fire. The closure order spans from Ferguson Ridge in the south to Pilot Ridge in the north. The closure is expected to be in effect until Sept. 30.
Yosemite National Park closure: Yosemite National Park officials today extended closures of Yosemite Valley, Wawona Road, the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, the Merced Grove of Giant Sequoias, Hetch Hetchy and other areas through Aug. 5, conditions permitting. For more information, go to nps.gov/yose or call 209-372-0200.
Mandatory Evacuations: Areas that are currently under a mandatory evacuation include:
· Anderson Valley
· El Portal Trailer Court
· Foresta
· Old El Portal
· Old Yosemite Road
· River Road from Briceburg to the last BLM campground
· Yosemite View Lodge
· Yosemite West
Advisory Evacuations: This is NOT an Evacuation Order. This is an advisement only of a potential Evacuation Order should conditions change.
· Cedar Lodge/Indian Flat Campground
· Rancheria Flat – Government Housing
· Savage’s Trading Post
Road Closures:
· Anderson Valley Road
· Foresta Road
· River Road from Briceburg to the gate at Railroad Flat and all campground areas along Highway 140
· Summit Road
· Old Yosemite Road
· Wawona Road (Highway 41) between Chilnualna Falls Road in Wawona and Bridalveil Falls Road in Yosemite Valley
Incline Road and Highway 140 from the entrance of Yosemite National Park to 1.5 miles east of Midpines are closed to everyone except residents.
Red Cross Shelters:
· Mariposa Elementary School, 5044 Jones St., Mariposa, CA 95338
Animal Shelters:
· Small animals: Mariposa Elementary School, 5044 Jones St., Mariposa, CA 95338
· Large animals: 5007 Fairgrounds Road, Mariposa, CA 95338
