Yosemite, CA…There are multiple fires burning in Yosemite National Park’s wilderness Smoke will be present due to a high pressure system which brings higher temperatures and lower relative humidities. Hot and dry weather will persist through the weekend and into early next week.

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The Railroad fire is 2,971 acres and 0% contained being managed by the South Central Sierra Interagency Management Team. An update is attached with the map. For the Most up-to-date information : https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5553/

South Fork

Discovered: 8/13/17 Location: N 37°32 ’15” x W 119° 35’54”

Size: 6,705 acres Cause: Unknown

Containment: 47% Fuels: Mixed conifer and red fir

Acreage was reduced due to more accurate mapping, the north and east flanks were most active yesterday as it burned into scattered heavy pockets of fuel. The south and west flanks of the fire are contained, some smoke and glow at night will be visible from Wawona as logs and brush burn interior. Weather will continue to be hot and dry through the weekend and into early next week. Fire will continue to back and flank on the north and east flanks and become more active as this weather pattern persists.

Crews will continue to patrol and mop-up the flanks closest to the community of Wawona and Mariposa Grove. Containment strategy is to tie containment lines into natural features on the north end of the fire as well as hold and secure handline from Chilnualna Creek south towards Wawona Dome. Bucket work will be continued as needed on the southern boundary of the fire. Sections of the north flank and the entire east flank are continuing to burn in the wilderness, and will be monitored by aircraft due to inaccessible and steep terrain. As fire burns into the high country wilderness it will burn actively through pockets of dense vegetation but will then slow down as it progresses into sparse vegetation and natural granite barriers limiting smoke production. This high country wilderness area has minimal values at risk.

Area and trail closures are in place follow posted closure orders and maps.

Empire

Discovered: 8/1/17 Location:1 mile east of Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area and 3/4 mile south of Glacier Point Road

Size: 4,350 acres Cause: Lightning
Containment: 55% Fuels: Red fir

Fire activity was moderated yesterday due to shading from the Railroad fire smoke. The east flank showed moderate growth yesterday with some spotting on the northeast near Ostrander Ski Trail. Weather forecast for today predicts hotter and dryer conditions through the end of the week and into early next week.

Fire crews are implementing a perimeter control strategy for the north, west, and southern flanks of the fire to protect Bridalveil Campground, Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area, Yosemite West subdivision, Wawona Road (Highway 41), and Glacier Point road. The north and west flanks of the fire are contained and holding. Crews tied the south flank into natural barriers and will continue to hold and monitor. Fire management personnel are implementing this strategy on three sides of the fire to minimize further smoke production in heavy fuels. Spot fires on the northeast flank near Ostrander Ski Trail are being assessed for direct line. The east flank is being allowed to move towards the Illilouette basin to continue to enhance forest resiliency in a fire adapted ecosystem.

Yosemite National Park has managed fire in this wilderness area for decades. This high country wilderness area is very steep and rugged with numerous natural barriers and minimal values at risk.

Glacier Point road is closed due to active fire near the road; conditions are being assessed as to when the road can be opened again. Additional crews and engines are on order to support these operations.

Starr King
Discovered: 8/2/17 Location: N 37° 42.965′ x W 119° 29.588′ at approximately 7800 feet elevation

Size: 32.4 acres Cause: Lightning Spread Potential: Low/ Moderate
Fuels: Red fir/ Lodgepole Strategy: Monitor

Activity has picked up and smoke will be visible from high elevation viewpoints.

Attached is the Central Sierra Smoke/AQ Outlook for Friday, September 1st.

https://www.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/2017/CentralSierraFires#Area1
https://www.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/2017/CentralSierraFires#Area2