Yosemite Fires – Update #21 – July 7, 2009

The Grouse and Harden fires in Yosemite National Park are nearing the boundaries that managers planned for the incidents.

The Grouse Fire is three miles southwest of Yosemite Valley and north of Glacier Point Road. The Grouse Fire is 3,007 acres and 90 percent contained.

The Harden Fire on the north side of the park, west of Harden Lake and northwest of White Wolf is currently 1,661 acres and 95 percent contained. Preparations are in place to transition management of the fires back to the local unit later this week.

The highest priority on these fires is firefighter and public safety. Each day’s operations are planned with this objective in mind. Another objective for the fires is smoke management. Throughout the incidents, park staff has worked closely with Mariposa and Tuolumne County Air Pollution Control Districts discussing planned operations, current and predicted weather conditions and potential for smoke impacts to the park and outlying areas. Fire managers with every fire always consider public health, related to air quality. To see air quality data, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/yose/naturescience/aqmonitoring.htm

Even though the fires are reaching the boundaries that managers set for the incidents and the percentage contained is increasing, the fires are not out yet. Fire activity will continue within the perimeters for some time. Personnel are being released from the incidents as operations begin to wind down.

On the Grouse Fire Monday, personnel completed work on the containment line from Glacier Point Road to Wawona Road. Crews also scouted and removed fire weakened trees that create hazardous conditions. For firefighter and public safety along Wawona Road, it was necessary to limit traffic to one lane. Temporary road delays will continue Tuesday.

On the Harden Fire, personnel continued securing containment lines and patrolling for lingering embers. Trail closures remain in effect on the Harden Fire until further notice. The trails are Smith Meadow to White Wolf and Aspen Valley to White Wolf. There is an alternate route to Pate Valley from White Wolf, which bypasses the Harden Lake area.

Weather forecasters advise fire officials that several low pressure systems are heading toward the area mid-week, which may bring cooler temperatures and possible strong winds.

Travelers are advised of temporary road delays, due to smoke and firefighters working along the Wawona Road and the Glacier Point Road. Travelers will see fire and smoke along the roads. For firefighter and driver safety, please use caution.

Wilderness Fire Unit:

Grouse -3,007 acres and 90 percent (37 41.445 x 119 41.017; 6500’, Mariposa Co.), started May 30. It is approximately 3,007 acres and 90 percent contained. There are 377 personnel committed to the Grouse Fire. The planned management area for the incident is about 3,000 acres.

Harden - 1,661 acres, 95 percent containment (37 53.624 x 119 42.221; 7800’, Tuolumne Co); Lightning-caused, probably on June 8. It is north of White Wolf, west of Harden Lake and within the 1996 Ackerson fire perimeter. It is 1,661 acres, with 95 percent containment and burning mostly in brush and Red Fir. Little growth is expected.

Fire Information: Please call 209/375-9574 and visit Inciweb @ http://www.inciweb.org/incident/1704, and http://www.inciweb.org/incident/1708

For Additional Information: The park website, www.nps.gov/yose/fire; or email at: yose_fire_information@nps.gov.
Yosemite National Park
Fire Education Office
P.O. Box 577
Yosemite, CA 95389
209/372-0480 phone or 209/372-0491 phone