Yosemite Fires - Update #29 – October 3, 2011

The Tamarack fire is the most active of the lightning ignited fires. All others are being monitored, patrolled or are staffed.  Gusty winds were prevalent over the park through the weekend and many of the fires became more active. A weather front is predicted for the week with rain and possible snow. The predicted precipitation could put most of the fires out.  

After this first significant storm of the season passes through, fire managers will begin burning park wide debris piles of vegetation along roadways and within the communities of Foresta, Wawona and El Portal; the schedule is yet to be set.

Wilderness Fire Unit:  
Tamarack (37 45.982 x 119 44.436; 7,700’el., Mariposa Co. 9/13). This is fire is at approximately 1,000 acres.  Over the weekend, the fire did burn up to the Tioga Road and firefighters completed a burn out operation top keep the fire south of road.  Short range spotting was observed.  The fire is now in monitoring and patrol status.  Smoke impacts should diminish along the road, however drivers are urged to use caution, and adhere to posted 25 mph speed limits, and traffic officer instructions when driving through the fire area. The Tamarack Creek trail though the fire area is closed.  Smoke is visible from many locations throughout the park, including the Tioga and Wawona Roads, Olmsted and Glacier Points, and Sentinel Dome.

Smith (37 55.249 x 119 45.945; 6,300” el. Tuolumne Co. 9/14) It remains at approximately 23 acres. Light smoke is visible in the afternoons.  All trails through this area are closed: Cottonwood Creek, Smith Meadow, Smith Peak, and the Aspen Valley trails.  

Cascade Fire (37 45.879 x 119 41.846; 7,700’ el. Mariposa Co.). This fire became more active and has grown to 2.5 acres.  It is in red fir duff and litter.

Frog (38 02.3 X 119 45.7; 7,000’ el., Tuolumne Co., 9/27).    It is at 1.7 acres, smoldering in red fir timber and brush. Light smoke is visible.

Hoffman fire: (37 37.49.186 x 119 32.593; 9,000’ el. Mariposa Co. 9/14.)  This fire has become more active, with 5.4 acres having burned.  It continues to smolder and move through red fir duff and surface fuels.  It is within 200’ of the Tioga Rd and is visible.

The 14 other lightning caused ignition fires are either out or inactive.

Additional Information:

• Fire Information and Education:   Gary_Wuchner@nps.gov; (209) 375-9574 or (209) 372-0480.
• Yosemite Fire Management Website:  http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/current_fire.htm.
• Air Quality:  http://www.nps.gov/yose/naturescience/aqmonitoring.htm
• Park WEBCAMS:  Park   http://www.nps.gov/yose/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm
• Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Yosemite-Wildland-Fire/124632964255395
• Twitter:  http://twitter.com/#!/YosemiteFire

California Fire News 2011