Current as of

7/19/2022, 6:33:47 PM

Incident Type

Wildfire

Cause

Under Investigation

Location

Southern portion of Yosemite National Park; Sierra National Forest.

Incident Commander

Mike Wakoski, California Interagency Incident Management Team 13.

Incident Description

Full Suppression.

Coordinates

37.499 latitude, -119.614 longitude

Total Personnel

1,444

Size

4,863 Acres

Percent of Perimeter Contained

58%

Fuels Involved

Very heavy accumulations of available dead surface fuels with ample snags, downed timber, and concentrations in an old-growth forest condition. Representative fuels include large timber with an understory of young conifer and shrubs. Very deep duff and accumulation of timber litter (branchwood and needles) dominate the forest floor. Recent large fire scars in the area include woody fuels and recent shrub growth. Live fuels (shrubs/brush) are seasonally moist and are providing limited intensity and spread.

Significant Events

Active, Flanking, Backing, Creeping.

A very persistent warm and dry weather pattern continues to support the potential of active-to-very active fire behavior today. Successful suppression actions have resulted in diminished fire behavior on all portions of the fire. The fire continues to burn in heavy dead and down timber fuels on the eastern portion of the fire within constructed lines. Primary area of fire behavior focus includes the S. Fk. Merced River upstream to the Iron Cr. and Johnson Cr. areas where most of the current activity is occurring. Progressive heat loss, with time since burning, will be occurring providing additional security to fire lines

Planned Actions

Continue to secure and reinforce the Hwy 41 corridor, Mariposa Grove Rd., and continue to construct handline and dozer line from Wawona Point to the West and North to South Fork of the Merced River. Protect remote cabins within Yosemite National Park and Sierra National Forest. Continue to construct handline where possible in the Iron Creek drainage area. Continue contingency line construction South of the incident.

Projected Incident Activity

12 hours: Very persistent warm and dry weather continues to produce pockets of interior active fire behavior, that will extend into the evening due to low relative humidity. Minimal fire spread was observed on the east flank of the fire south of the S. Fk. Merced River near Iron Creek that included flare-ups, and continued consumption of heavy fuels on steep slopes. Downslope and down drainage wind flow will continue to provide smoke accumulation in the valleys during the night under a strong inversion, while southwest winds at higher elevations retain a relatively clear sky.

24 hours: Continuation of warm/dry weather will produce the potential for active fire behavior during the period, with the burning conditions extending into the evening due to poor relative humidity recovery on higher terrain. Generally light winds will produce pockets of isolated backing on slopes with flanking, and isolated torching within the control lines. Southwesterly ridgetop winds will provide clear sky and good ventilation. Continued potential for spotting north of the South Fork Merced River in the Johnson Creek, and across Iron Cr. to the east as the fire consumes residual fuels.

48 hours: Warm and dry conditions combined with poor-fair nighttime relative humidity will maintain the potential of active to very active fire behavior. Expect isolated interior pockets to continue to consume through creeping and smoldering. Diminishing heat sources, aggressive mop-up, and time since burning will provide additional security to prevent escape from control lines.

72 hours: Continued warm and dry conditions will maintain the potential for active to very active fire behavior. Expect a continued significant reduction in fire activity due to successful suppression activities and diminishing heat from fewer sources. Minimal smoke will be visible in the late afternoon with southwesterly transport wind.

Anticipated after 72 hours: The persistent pattern of warm and dry conditions continues with very little change overall. Conditions will be present that provide potential of active to very active fire behavior, but due to diminishing heat sources and successful suppression efforts the threat of spread or escape will be minimized.

Weather Concerns

Synopsis: Warm and dry conditions will persist due high pressure situated over the Four Corners region. The prevailing winds will be out of the west southwest, but most of the fireline will continue to be impacted by light, terrain-driven winds becoming upslope/upcanyon in the afternoon. Elevations above 7500 feet will see gusts up to 20 mph.

Observed Weather Conditions July 19, 2022: Wind Speed / Max. Gust Sustained 3-7 mph gusts to 18 mph. Temp Highs 8 1-90 Direction West-southwest RH 22-32%

Forecasted Weather for Next Operational Period July 20, 2022: Wind Speed / Max. Gust Sustained 3-7 mph gusts to 18 mph. Temp Highs 81-90 Direction West-southwest RH 20-30%