Yosemite Fires – Update #27 – August 3, 2009

The lightning caused Wildcat fire continues to be managed for multiple objectives. It is burning on the north side of the Tuolumne River through Red Fir, Jeffery Pine and brush on very steep terrain. Since the start of this fire Wednesday July 29, it has grown to 530 acres.

Firefighters continue to experience low to moderate fire spread as the fire has moved up the canyon walls through brush and other vegetation. There continues to be single tree torching and some isolated runs through brush. The most active flank is to the northeast toward Register Creek. Along the Tuolumne Canyon trail the fire remains active.

Three Wildland fire modules are spiked out near the fire perimeter to manage this fire (two Yosemite and one Stanislaus fire modules). This fire is located in one of the most remote, steep and rugged wilderness areas of the Park. Due to the steepness of the canyon, the potential for rock and timber roll-out and other significant safety concerns, the primary strategy will be indirect action until the fire finds its way to more open and accessible terrain.

Trail closures are in affect: The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne from top of the Water Wheel falls to Pate Valley. Further trail closures may be considered.

The immediate course of action and strategy will be to keep the fire on the north side of the Tuolumne River. All responses continue to be considered for this wilderness wildfire. Values to be protected include the Glen Aulin High Sierra Camp, the Tuolumne River, trail systems and bridges, wildlife habitat and other wilderness and cultural resources.

Periodic smoke may be visible from various locations within the Park, and the region. Other regional fires are contributing to the areas haze. Weather forecasters have predicted cooler temperatures and breezy conditions near the fire area, and throughout the Sierra Nevada to help disperse the smoke. This condition will continue through the week. There is a slight possibility of showers and thunderstorms beginning Thursday, August 6.

Suppression Fires:

Falls (37 45.971 x 119 35.685, 5200’, Mariposa Co.) This fire is in patrol status, as crews achieved 100% containment Sunday, August 2.

Wilderness Fire Unit; lightning caused fires:

Wildcat (37 56.208 x 119 29.418, 6300’ to 8400’ elevation, Tuolumne Co.) Since the start of this fire July 29, it has grown to 530 acres and continuous to move northeast toward Register Creek, to the west and along the Tuolumne River.

The Grouse and Harden fires will continued to be patrolled due to continued hot spots within the perimeter of each these fires.

Regional fires: Reporting this fire in cooperation with the Stanislaus National Forest.

Knight (38.18 x -120.254, Stanislaus NF, Tuolumne Co.) It is at 4,594 ac, and continues to have extreme potential for growth. It is 10 miles north of Twain Harte. Firefighters have 40% containment of this fire, with 1,352 fire personnel assigned. To obtain more information: http://www.inciweb.org, and knightinfo09@ymail.com.

Fire Yosemite Information: Please call 209/372-0480. For Additional Information: The park website, www.nps.gov/yose/fire; and NPS Firenews: http://www.inside.nps.gov.

Yosemite National Park - Fire Education Office -
P.O. Box 577 Yosemite, CA 95389
209/372-0480 phone or 209/372-0491 phone

National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior