August 11, 2015 - Several visitors called 9-1-1 to report a fire at the top of Upper Yosemite Fall switchbacks at 3:30 P.M. on Monday, August 10. Yosemite Helicopter 551 responded with the park Helitack crew to begin suppression efforts and support the suppression efforts with water bucket drops. Other Yosemite fire crews assisted in the suppression efforts.
Approximately 15 to 20 hikers were safely escorted out of the fire area by firefighters and park search and rescue members. A California Highway Patrol Helicopter H40, was called and was standing by in Ahwahnee Meadow for further extractions on August 10. Their assistance was not needed.
As of 6:00 A.M., August 11, the fire was at approximately 3 acres. Suppression efforts will continue through the next few days until this fire is out. The fire’s rate of spreading is relatively slow on the ground both up and down the upper Yosemite Falls gorge near the switchbacks. Helicopter operations will also continue.
All trails to Yosemite Falls are temporarily closed from the Valley and from various trial heads above Yosemite Creek.
No smoke was observable in the Valley this morning. Smoke may be seen from other high elevation locations, particularly Glacier Point and Sentinel Dome areas.
