Jack Wildland Fire
Yosemite National Park
Summary
The Jack Fire started on Oct. 29 from lightning associated with thunderstorms moving over the Park. Jack is located on the north and south sides of Turner Ridge north of Wawona. It was originally placed under wildland fire use management for resource benefits and public safety. On Nov. 8, the fire spread outside the fire use management zone causing a change in strategy. At this point, management actions were taken to slow fire spread south toward Wawona. Crews are constructing control line in areas that will inhibit future fire spread if necessary. At a public meeting held in Wawona Monday fire managers explained to community members that the prevailing conditions, shorter daylight hours, cooler nights and elevated moisture levels in the vegetation, are conducive to managing the fire until the weather puts it out. The fires this year in Lake Tahoe and Southern California are a reminder that is important to use fire as an ecological restoration tool as well as to create defensible space around fire prone communities.
Basic Information
| Incident Type | Wildland Fire |
|---|---|
| Cause | Lightning |
| Date of Origin | 10/29/2007 at 1500 hrs. |
| Location | 1.5 miles north of Wawona |
| Incident Commander | Jeff Panetta |
Current Situation
| Total Personnel | 46 |
|---|---|
| Size | 330 acres |
| Percent Contained | 15% |
| Estimated Containment Date | 12/15/2007 at hrs. |
| Fuels Involved | South half of the fire is in oak woodland, manzanita, and bear clover. This is the portion of the fire nearest Wawona. The North half of the fire is heavy ponderosa pine and mixed conifer. |
| Fire Behavior | Fire behavior today was moderate. Flame lengths were 1-3' in mixed conifer understory. Occasional single tree torching occured. Max rates of spread were 2 cns/hr. |
| Significant Events | Fire rolled out over the southern containment line and has become re-established near the community of Wawona. Fire is now within 0.5 miles of Wawona and additional resources have been ordered. Progress continues on the west flank where an indirect handline and blacklining operation are successfully securing the fire to the Wawona Road (Hwy 41). |
Outlook
| Planned Actions | If feasible, direct handline will begin on south (heel) of fire. If this tactic does not work, indirect handline with burnout will be deployed adjacent to the community of Wawona. Blacklining will continue on the west flank to bring fire to the Wawona road. |
|---|---|
| Projected Movement | 12 hours: Fire should be heald to at least 0.25 miles north of Wawona. Fire will be within 0.1 miles of the Wawona Rd. 24 hours: Fire should be heald to at least 0.25 miles north of Wawona. Fire will be within 0.1 miles of the Wawona Rd. 48 hours: Fire should be heald to at least 0.25 miles north of Wawona. Fire will be within 0.1 miles of the Wawona Rd. 72 hours: Fire should be heald to at least 0.25 miles north of Wawona. Fire will be within 0.1 miles of the Wawona Rd. |
| Growth Potential | Medium |
| Terrain Difficulty | High |
| Containment Target | By 12/3/07 |
| Remarks | Not available |
Weather
| Current Wind Conditions | Not available |
|---|---|
| Current Temperature | 46 degrees |
| Current Humidity | 26 % |
