Update: CA-SNF-Motor IC #WildFire – Sierra National Forest 3,000 acres 0%

“Motor Fire” – Sierra National Forest - Fire Update #4 – August 27, 2011
Update:  Evacuations
Cedar Lodge and Sierra Campgrounds in the canyon are under mandatory evacuations
Yosemite West, Old El Portal, Rancheria, Incline, and Jerseydale have been advised to prepare for evacuations.

Yosemite National Park is providing this information in cooperation with and support to the South Central Sierra Type II Team and the Sierra and Stanislaus National Forests.

Motor Fire (37.071 x 119 52.875; Sierra National Forest, Mariposa County): The Motor Fire began approximately 12:30 PM, August 25. It was started by a vehicle fire (recreational vehicle) on Hwy 140, along the Merced River and near Cedar Lodge. The cause is being investigated.

As of 21:00, August 26: The fire is still in the initial attack stage. The South Central Sierra Type II Team took over command of the fire at 18:00 on August 26. This team includes support and members from many agencies. Visit http://scsierra.imtcenter.net/main/index.aspx for more information. Additional fire resources have been ordered, including Hot Shot crews, engines, additional aircraft, and dozers.

• The fire made a significant run in Dry Gulch bringing managers near a decision point for evacuations in Rancheria Flat.
• The fire has burned approximately 3,000 acres.
• Approximately 650 firefighters are on scene.
• Air tankers and helicopters will continue to work the fire.  
• This fire is terrain driven (very steep slopes) and has burned to the top of the ridges above the Merced River on both the south and north sides.
• The most active portion of the fire is the NE corner, the Trumbull Peak area.
• Crews in the El Portal area are utilizing old lines from previous fires (i.e. Woodlot, Big Meadow).

Evacuations and Road Closures: Incline RD, Cedar Lodge and local campgrounds were evacuated. Rancheria, Old El Portal, and Yosemite West have been advised to prepare for evacuations. Residents should be prepared to leave with only a few minutes notice. Highway 140, from the Foresta Bridge west to the Bug Hostel in Midpines is closed. This closure may fluctuate as the fire progresses. There is no estimation as to when Hwy 140 will re-open.
Power may be intermittent throughout the day and may go out.

Two Yosemite Fire information “hotlines” are staffed and operational 24 hrs: (209) 372-0327 or 372-0329. Please do not call fire dispatch – they are busy. The employee hotline is also being updated regularly; 379-1186.

More information: http://inciweb.org/incident/2520/
For Air Quality information: http://www.nps.gov/yose/naturescience/aqmonitoring.htm