Photo credit: Forest Service photo by Jim Bartlett

Engines: 218 Water Tenders: 65 Helicopters: 14 Crews: 59 Dozers: 29 Total Personnel: 2,792

August 4, 2018 - Strong westerly winds challenged firefighters today as they worked to suppress the Ferguson Fire. The fire grew by 944 acres throughout the day and was at 81,699 acres as of 6 p.m. Containment is at 36 percent. This fire is being managed as a full-suppression fire.

Firefighters were successful in keeping the fire out of Foresta and Yosemite West. The fire had moved up the west side of Foresta, following the area burned by the 2012 El Portal Fire. It also burned to the south and west of the community. Fire burned to the north, east and west of Yosemite West. Firefighters were successful in protecting structures and ignited tactical fires to buffer both communities.

Fire damaged power poles and lines, interrupting power to Yosemite West and portions of Highway 140.

Crews were able to remove downed trees along Glacier Point Road allowing for safe egress from the incident encampment at Badger Pass. Firefighters worked on direct containment, where possible, near Chinquapin where the fire was pushing up Badger Pass. Contingency lines are being planned from Elephant Rock to the burn scar of the 2017 Empire Fire using existing roads and natural features.

Along the fire’s northern perimeter, fire activity picked up, but remained within containment lines.

Firefighters monitored and patrolled the fires near Wawona, which stayed within their containment lines. Crews plan to resume tactical firing operations this evening toward the South Fork of the Merced River, weather permitting. Once completed and cooled, the fire’s southwest corner will be secured.

Yosemite Valley was evacuated Friday because of hazardous road conditions, smoke and a loss of power, but Yosemite National Park remains open on the east side out of Lee Vining. Tioga Pass Road provides access to the Tuolumne Meadows Visitor Center, the Pacific Crest and John Muir trails and several prominent peaks.

Warmer and drier conditions are resulting in increased fire behavior and spotting. Winds are expected to peak tonight. Residents will continue to see smoke and smoke columns within the fire perimeter. Air quality and health advisories are available at the Wildland Fire Aire Quality Response Program for the Yosemite area and Southern Sierra area.

Pockets of unburned vegetation remain inside the footprint of the fire, providing a more diversified landscape for plants and wildlife.

Memorial service: The memorial service for Arrowhead Hot Shots Captain Brian Hughes took place at 11 a.m. today at Valdez Hall in Fresno. Hughes, 33, died in the line of duty July 29 when he was struck by a tree while fighting the Ferguson Fire. The service was well-attended by an estimated 1,000 people.

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 closed Yosemite Valley, Wawona Road, the Mariposa and Merced groves of giant sequoias, Hetch Hetchy and other areas through Aug. 5, when conditions will be reevaluated. 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

· Cedar Lodge/Indian Flat Campground

· El Portal Trailer Court

· Foresta

· Incline Road

· Old El Portal

· Old Yosemite Road

· Rancheria Flat – Government Housing

· River Road from Briceburg to the last BLM campground

· Savage’s Trading Post

· Wawona

· Yosemite Valley

· Yosemite View Lodge

· Yosemite West

Road Closures:

· Anderson Valley Road

· Big Oak Flat Road (Highway 120) from entrance of Yosemite National Park to Crane Flat.

· Foresta Road

· Highway 140 from the entrance of Yosemite National Park to 1.5 miles east of Midpines

· Incline Road

· River Road from Briceburg to the gate at Railroad Flat and all campground areas along Highway 140

· Summit Road

· Old Yosemite Road (Coulterville Road)

· Wawona Road (Highway 41) between Chilnualna Falls Road in Wawona and Bridalveil Falls parking lot in Yosemite Valley

Red Cross Shelter:

· New Life Christian Fellowship: 5089 Cole Road, Mariposa, CA 95338Red Cross Shelter is located at New Life Christian Fellowship, 5089 Cole Road, Mariposa, CA.

Animal Shelters:

· Small animals: Central California Animal Disaster Team (CCADT) at 888-402-2238, ext. 700

· Large animals: Mariposa Fairgrounds, 5007 Fairgrounds Road, Mariposa, CA 95338