On Highway 41, a stand of timber remains standing after the fire burned through and under the trees
Credit: InciWeb
Note: PHONE NUMBER CHANGE- The #WashburnFire Information phone number has transitioned back to the Yosemite National Park Fire Information Line. Please call: (209) 379-1493 Inquiries can still be made via email at 2022.Washburn@firenet.gov.
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
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.
July 30, 2022 - The map for the Washburn Fire incident also shows the perimeter for the Oak Fire. The Oak Fire is a separate incident to the west of the Washburn Fire. For more information on the Oak Fire, please visit: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2022/7/22/oak-fire/.
Location: Yosemite National Park, Mariposa Grove
Percent Contained: 97%
Start Date: July 7, 2022
Cause: Human Caused/Under Investigation
Size: 4,886 acres
Fire Information: Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Phone: 209-819-7246
Email: 2022.washburn@firenet.gov
Washburn Fire Update- Mostly sunny skies and less smoke from the Oak fire allowed temperatures to warm yesterday under a strong high-pressure system over the northern part of the state. This high pressure over the northern part of the state will keep temperatures seasonably warm with low humidity values. Temperatures will range from near 800 at the upper elevations to the lower 900s near Wawona.
The remaining uncontained portion of the fire remains along the perimeter burning near Star Lakes. This portion of the fire is burning in and around large granite rock screes in sparse vegetation. These natural unburnable features limit the potential for the fire to spread much further than its current location. Smoke is primarily impacting areas immediately around the fire with moderate impacts east and north of the fire from Coulterville to Wawona. The efforts of first responders have greatly reduced the complexity of the incident. California Incident Management Team 15 will be transitioning command of the Washburn fire to a local Type-3 team which will continue with the management of the incident.
Oak Fire- The Oak Fire is now 52% contained at 19,240 acres. This fire is currently burning west of Yosemite in the Mariposa/Midpines area. 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).
Air Quality- For information, visit: airnow.gov.
Wawona Reopen - Wawona town, Wawona Hotel, and surrounding trails are open. Mariposa Grove of the Giant Sequoias (and trails to it), as well as Wawona Campground, remain closed until further notice. At this time, there is not an estimated opening date. All other areas of Yosemite are open, although a reservation is required to drive into the park if arriving between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Highways Reopened- Highway 140 through Mariposa County to Yosemite National Park is open to all lanes of traffic. Wawona Road (Highway 41) is open.Please drive carefully as fire suppression vehicles and equipment are still in the area.
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 near the Mariposa Grove on July 7, 2022, please contact 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
History and Ecology of Mariposa Grove / Giant Sequoias: Located in the southern portion of Yosemite, the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite and is home to over 500 mature giant sequoias. The national park idea is rooted in the Mariposa Grove. In 1864 President Lincoln signed legislation protecting the Mariposa Grove and Yosemite Valley for "public use, resort, and recreation." For the first time in our nation's history, the federal government set aside scenic natural areas to be protected for the benefit of future generations. Later added to Yosemite National Park in 1906, the Mariposa Grove is a popular destination within the park. For more information, please visit the Yosemite National Park's Mariposa Grove Webpage The giant sequoias of the Mariposa Grove have avoided serious damage from the Washburn Fire. Most of these trees are over 2000 years old and have experienced fire many times throughout their lives. Fire Ecology of Yosemite National Park. Sequoias trees, forest condition and resource protection efforts.
Smoke: A Daily Smoke Outlook is available at Current Smoke Outlook for Yosemite (wildlandfiresmoke.net). You can also find real time air quality updates at fire.airnow.gov/.
Aviation / Drone Restrictions: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) and any private aircraft or drone that violates the TFR could face serious criminal charges. For more information on drones the public can visit theFAA’s website at www.KnowBeforeYouFly.org. “If you fly, we can’t!”
Recycling- Recycling contractors have been busy doing their job on the Washburn Fire. Part of a Forest Service Initiative called Project Green which began in 2020, recycling removes thousands of pounds of recyclable material out of the waste each day. Interested? Read more about Project Green on the Washburn Fire. Total of Products Recycled on the Washburn Fire
Click here for: Washburn Fire in Yosemite National Park Updates for Friday, July 29, 2022
