Firefighter Jack Gay from Yosemite National Parks Wildland Fire Module Crew 1 uses a drip torch to back burn on initial attack. Washburn Fire Photo Credit - Sarah Platt
Note: If you were at or near the Mariposa Grove on July 7, 2022, please contact the NPS Investigative Services Branch (ISB) one of the following ways:
Call or text: 888-653-0009
Email: nps_isb@nps.gov
Note: Wawona Road (continuation of Highway 41 into Yosemite) between South Entrance and Yosemite Valley will tentatively reopen to visitors on Saturday, July 23, at 6 am. The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and the Wawona area will remain closed for at least another week. This closure includes all camping, lodging, vacation rentals, and other services (other than gas) in the Wawona area.
A reservation is required to drive into or through Yosemite between 6:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.: https://go.nps.gov/reserve.
Evening Update CAL FIRE at 6:48 P.M.: Washburn Fire 4,881 Acres with 91% Containment, and 343 Personnel.
Basic Information
|
Current as of |
7/26/2022, 6:48:35 PM |
|
Incident Type |
Wildfire |
|
Cause |
Human Caused/under Investigation |
|
Location |
Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias |
|
Incident Commander |
Jim Harris, California Interagency Incident Management Team 15. |
|
Incident Description |
Full Suppression |
|
Coordinates |
37.499 latitude, -119.614 longitude |
Current Situation
|
Total Personnel |
343 |
|
Size |
4,881 Acres |
|
Percent of Perimeter Contained |
91% |
|
Fuels Involved |
Very heavy accumulations of available dead surface fuels with ample snags, downed logs, and fuel concentrations in an old growth forest landscape. Representative fuels include multi-species conifer 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 |
Creeping, Smoldering. The main heat sources on the fire continue to be isolated to the dry ground fuels burning out within the control lines. The one exception is a larger pocket of unburned fuel consuming near the perimeter in the Star Lake Area of Div. W. Although this area is surrounded by large rock screes, crews are coordinating with helicopters to ensure it is secure before resources are extracted from the remote area. |
Outlook
|
Planned Actions |
Continue to secure and reinforce the Hwy 41 corridor, Mariposa Grove Rd., protect remote cabins within Yosemite National Park and Sierra National Forest. Continue to construct handline where possible in the Iron Creek drainage area. |
|
Projected Incident Activity |
12 hours: The fires footprint remains within containment lines. Consumption of interior pockets dead and down fuels in Div. W accounts for an increase of 12 acres of fire growth. These isolated pockets of heat have been identified in the Star Lakes area and along the South Fork Merced River. Improving conditions, smoke from the Oak Fire, and suppression actions the last several weeks will minimize fire activity overnight. 24 hours: Increased upper-level moisture is expected to enter the area improving what has been a persistent, dry airmass. These conditions will cause improved overnight recovery and assist in continuing overall containment of the fire. 48 hours- Heat signatures are expected to continue to diminish as the crews mop-up the remaining portions of heat near the line and the ground fuels burn out. 72 hours: Same as above. Anticipated after 72 hours: Minimal fire activity is anticipated to occur over the next 72-hour period. |
|
Remarks |
CAIIMT15 assumed command of the Washburn Fire on 07/23/22 at 7:00 p.m. |
Current Weather
|
Weather Concerns |
Monsoon moisture began to increase across the region this afternoon with cumulus build ups to the easy of the fire over the Sierra Crest. Increasing clouds and moisture kept temperatures a few degrees cooler with highs mid 80s and humidity values around 25%. Southerly flow kept smoke from the nearby Oak fire to the north of the Washburn fire. |
July 26, 2022 - Washburn Fire in Yosemite National Park is at 4,875 Acres and 87% Containment.
Washburn Fire Update- Monsoonal moisture began to increase across the region yesterday afternoon with cumulus buildup visible to the east of the Washburn fire over the Sierra Crest. Moisture will increase again today with thunderstorm activity becoming more widespread. The clouds and moisture will help keep temperatures a few degrees cooler with highs in the mid-80s and humidity values around 25%. These conditions are an improvement from the recent persistent hot and dry weather pattern and will assist fire crews in increasing containment of the fire in the coming days.
Yesterday, the helitack crew using “coyote tactics” were extracted from the north flank, where the fire is holding along the South Fork Merced River. Coyote tactics are used when crews sleep out near the fire's edge along remote portions of the fire and are logistically supported by helicopters. This helps limit exposure being transported in and out of the fire each day and increases the efficiency of their operations. Most of the heat left across the fire is smoldering logs well within the containment lines. Fire crews continue to coordinate with local agency Resource Advisors to ensure impacts that occurred during suppression efforts are repaired where possible.
Oak Fire- The Oak Fire is now 26 % contained at 18,087 acres. This fire is currently burning west of Yosemite in the Mariposa/Midpines area, and has caused the closure of Highway 140 west of Mariposa. Information for the Oak Fire can be found by visiting: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2022/7/22/oak-fire/ or by calling 844-MMU-FIRE (844-668-3473). For information about air quality, visit airnow.gov.
Wawona Reopening Scheduled- The community of Wawona (including the Wawona Hotel and vacation rentals) will reopen to the public on Thursday, July 28, at noon. The wilderness area north of Wawona opened, Monday, July 25, and the fire advisory has been lifted for the wilderness area. The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and the Wawona Campground remain closed due to the Washburn fire. All other areas of Yosemite are open, although a reservation is required to drive into the park if arriving between 6 am and 4 pm. Wawona Road (Highway 41) has reopened as of 6:00 am on Saturday, July 23.
Washburn Fire Forest Closure- Forest Order No. 05-15-51-22-27- Effective July 23, 2022 through August 1, 2022, the following roads remain closed: Mt. Raymond Road, Big Sandy Road, White Chief Mtn. Road, Sky Ranch Road (Between its intersections with FS Road 5S40Z and 6S07), Lost Lake Road, Chiquito Lake Road, and Red Top Road. For more information, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sierra/alerts-notices/?aid=74510
Tip Line: If you were at or near the Mariposa Grove on July 7, 2022, please contact the NPS Investigative Services Branch (ISB)
Call/Text – (888)-653-0009
Email- nps_isb@nps.gov
Online: www.nps.gov/orgs/1563/submit-a-tip.htm
Click here for: Washburn Fire in Yosemite National Park Updates for Monday, July 25, 2022
