Yosemite NP - Three New Fires - Two are Lightning Caused Fires

Yosemite Fire Information

Two lightning caused fires were discovered yesterday, July 19, 2010, on the north rim of the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River. Smoke was reported visible from the east near the Waterwheel Fall area.  Yosemite received lightning late last week and into the past weekend along the Sierra crest.  It is not unusual to find these fires a few days after thunderstorms. 

These remote fires are approximately at the 8000’ elevation and within two miles of each other. They are in designated wilderness, and located in Tuolumne County. Firefighters were flown into the fire area today to monitor the fires.  They will gather data to assess the fire spread potential and observe fire behavior.  Additionally, they will collect adjacent fuels and other vegetation information, determine fuel moistures, locate natural fire barriers, and place trail warning signs as needed.  Based on the data collection the fires will be considered to be managed for multiple objectives. 

Tuolumne:  37 57.024 x 119 32.582.  It is 1/10 of an acre and west of the Wildcat 2 fire and Rodgers Creek.  It has a slight to moderate potential to spread.  Light smoke was visible. It is burning in short needle conifer vegetation and brush, on a south aspect.

Wildcat 2: 37 56.865 x 119 30.447 - It is 2.8 acres and has moderate potential to spread with light smoke visible.  It is on the south side of Register Creek and north of last summer’s Wildcat fire.  It is also burning in short needle conifer and brush, on a south aspect.  Seventy-five percent of the perimeter is active and mostly burning the brush.
There are three historical fires in this area:  1948, 1985 and last year’s 2009, Wildcat fire.
Suppression Fire: 
Footbridge:  37 46.319x119 32.275 – This .10 acre fire was discovered July 20, 2010, and is in Mariposa County.  It is burning in heavy fuels, many of which are snags, (standing dead trees.)  Light smoke was visible from Glacier point, and was dispersing to the northwest. The fire is near the Snow Creek footbridge and is N/W of Basket Dome.  It is within the suppression zone, and is being put out by Helicopter 551 and helitack hand-crews.  The cause is unknown.

In the weather report, there is a chance of thunderstorms later this week and into the weekend.

Another update will be out in the next few days as new data is collected, including photos.  Additional maps and photos will be posted to the Yosemite Webpage as they become available. 
  
“The National Park Service manages wildland fire to protect the public, communities and infrastructure, conserve natural and cultural resources and restore and maintain ecological health.”

For Additional Information: 

• Fire Information and Education Office:  (209) 372-0480
• Yosemite Online:  www.nps.gov/yose/fire