Wawona, CA…Evacuation order is for all areas east of Highway 41 along Chilnualna Falls Rd. and Forest Dr. Residents and visitors must vacate by 4:00 pm today. Red Cross Shelter at Tenaya Lodge. Community meeting will be held at Tenaya Lodge at 6PM. Fire activity increased yesterday primarily due to downdraft winds from thunderstorms. The area east of Highway 41 on Forest Dr. and Chilnualna Falls Rd. is closed to visitors and guests. Permanent residents are advised to be ready to evacuate within 12-24 hours, however they should be ready to leave with shorter notice if conditions warrant. There will be a community meeting at the Wawona Community Center at 6pm on Saturday August 19th. Air quality specialists will be present to answer questions from residents regarding smoke in the community.

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Today, crews will work to contain the spot fires that occurred late yesterday afternoon and evening. Aircraft will assist ground crews when conditions warrant after the inversion lifts and smoke clears. Strategic objectives remain the same: utilize air and ground resources to hold the western and southern flanks while monitoring the northern and eastern edges. Minimal Impact Suppression Tactics are being used in the Yosemite Wilderness to manage the area of the fire, using natural barriers such as rocks or streams, trails, and other minimal disturbance methods to contain the fire.

Smoke will continue to affect the Wawona area, particularly in the evenings and mornings. Community members who are sensitive to smoke should consult their physician and may want remain indoors or leave the area in periods of heavy smoke. Residents can monitor the air quality links below for current information.

A chance of thunderstorms will be possible over the Sierra Nevada each afternoon and evening into early next week.

There are currently 528 personnel assigned to the fire: 13 hand crews, 7 helicopters, 11 engines, 3 air tankers.

For additional information:
• Rapid Notify is a community alert system for rapid event notifications. Register by visiting http://www.rapidnotify.com/customer/Yosemite.html or https://alert.rapidnotify.com/.
• Nixle is a public-safety notification system. Sign up for emergency alerts by texting 95389 to 888-777 or visit their website at www.nixle.com
• Fire Information: Yose_Fire_Info@nps.gov
• Yosemite National Park Fire Information website: http://www.nps.gov/yose/blogs/fireinfo.htm
• Facebook, search: Yosemite Fire and Aviation
• Twitter, search @YosemiteFire : http://www.twitter.com/YosemiteFire
• Air Quality: https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/nature/aqmonitoring.htm or Current PM2.5 conditions

South Central Sierra Interagency Incident Management Team
Fire Information: 209-379-5322 southforkfireinfo@gmail.com
For additional information visit: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5502