Wednesday Morning Update:
Lighting Caused Pika Fire in Yosemite National Park Wednesday Morning Update: 825 Acres with 20% Containment – Trail Closures in Effect
July 18, 2023 - Yosemite National Park fire crews are actively engaged in firing operations - additional smoke and fire activity will be seen over the next few days in Yosemite Valley.
As of Tuesday morning the fire is at 818 Acres with 20% Containment
Smoke from the Pika Fire has been impacting Yosemite Valley overnight and into the morning with conditions improving as smoke lifts during the afternoon. The AQI is "hazardous" in Yosemite Valley this morning. Similar conditions are expected tonight into tomorrow morning. Impacts may also be observed in the surrounding communities of El Portal and Groveland. To monitor smoke in your area and take precautions for your health, please visit Current Air Quality and Smoke Monitoring - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
| Current as of | Tue, 07/18/2023 - 11:57 |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Wildfire |
| Cause | Lightning/Natural |
| Date of Origin | Thu, 06/29/2023 - 09:20 |
| Location | Northwest of North Dome |
| Incident Commander | NPS |
| Incident Description | Yosemite Fire crews are using a confine and contain strategy utilizing natural barriers and trail, using fire to secure and strengthen control lines. The fire has moderate growth with some isolated active pockets northwest of North Dome. A confine and contain strategy under favorable conditions allows fire to move naturally across the landscape, providing ecological benefits to plants and wildlife, while also meeting protection objectives to minimize risk to people and infrastructure. |
| Coordinates | 37° 45' 47'' Latitude -119° 33' 35
'' Longitude |
| Total Personnel: | 40 |
|---|---|
| Size | 818 Acres |
| Percent of Perimeter Contained | 20% |
| Estimated Containment Date | 07/30/2023 |
| Fuels Involved |
Timber (Litter and Understory), Brush (2 feet). |
| Significant Events |
Crews will be hand firing along Lehamite Ck trail on the west flank to secure that section this morning. Firing has been slow due to potential of spot fires across the line. |
| Planned Actions |
Trail closures went into effect the afternoon of 7/11. Additional crews arrived 7/11 & 7/12. Hose lays completed. Active fire conditions. Continue to monitor weather and fire behavior, including smoke impacts. Resources are continuing to hold and patrol. |
|---|---|
| Projected Incident Activity |
12 hours: Crews will continue with indirect line construction utilizing natural barriers for fire growth 24 hours: Crews will finish indirect hand line construction and look at opportunities for firing operations - trail closures will go into effect 48 hours: Crews will implement firing operations while monitoring weather and fire behavior, including smoke impacts. 72 hours: Continue with firing operations with both aerial and hand ignitions, while monitoring weather and fire behavior, including smoke impacts. Anticipated after 72 hours: Complete firing operations, transition to patrol and monitor |
| Weather Concerns |
Forecast calls for hot and dry conditions, with an excessive heat warning through the middle of next week. |
|---|
Previous Information:
Source: NPS
