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Washburn Fire

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Unit Information

P.O. Box 577 
Yosemite National Park, 
California 
95389 
P.O. Box 577 
Yosemite National Park, 
California 
95389 

Incident Contacts

  • Yosemite Fire Information
    Phone:
    209-379-1493
  • Media Inquiries
    Phone:
    1-925-588-6749
    Hours:
    8 AM - 8 PM

Washburn Fire Daily Update for July 24, 2022

Washburn Fire
Publication Type: News -

Washburn Fire
Incident Update July 24, 2022 

Location
: Yosemite National Park, Mariposa Grove
Percent Contained: 79%
Start Date: July 7, 2022                                                                      
Cause: Human Caused/Under Investigation
Size: 4,857 acres
Number of Personnel Assigned: 775
Resources Assigned: 31 Hand Crews, 8 Helicopters, 43 Engines, 2 Dozers, 17 Water Tenders, 1 Masticator

Fire Information:
 Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM               
Phone:
 209-819-7246 
Email: 2022.washburn@firenet.gov                                             
Updates: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8209/
Facebook: Yosemite NP     Sierra NF                                     
Twitter: Yosemite NP     
Instagram: Yosemite NP                                                                
Website: Yosemite NP     Sierra NF

 

Washburn Fire Update- One of the main indicators of seasonal fire danger is an index called the Energy Release Component. The extended drought conditions and very dry airmass over the area yesterday resulted in the highest Energy Release Component rating ever recorded for the Central Sierra Predicted Service Area. These conditions were the cause for rapid rates of spread when the Oak Fire ignited on Friday. The Oak Fire is burning approximately 12-miles west of the Washburn fire. Coordination is occurring between fire managers and both air and ground resources responded from the Washburn Fire to assist in the suppression efforts occurring on the Oak Fire.  

Today, resources on the Washburn Fire will continue to actively secure the remaining portions of heat near control lines. The two main areas of focus are near the confluence of the South Fork Merced River and Iron Creek. Crews are coordinating with pilots using Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) containing an infrared camera to provide accurate information on the hotspots burning in the remote and rugged terrain. The predicted southwest winds will transport most of the smoke generated from the Oak Fire plume to the north, but smoke and haze will linger over the Washburn Fire today. Conditions will remain warm and dry with temperatures in the mid 80’s and minimum humidity around 15%. Information for the Oak Fire can be found at https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2022/7/22/oak-fire/ or by calling 844-MMU-FIRE (844-668-3473). The Oak Fire started on Friday, July 22nd at Highway 140 and Carstens Road, near Midpines, CA (outside of Yosemite National Park boundaries).  The Oak Fire currently sits at 14,281 acres and is 0% contained. Highway 140 and surrounding roads have closures in effect.  

Wawona Road (Highway 41) has reopened as of 6:00 am on Saturday, July 23.

New Forest Order No. 05-15-51-22-27- Sierra National Forest updated the Washburn Fire Closure Forest Order, effective July 23, 2022, through August 1, 2022. This order supersedes the previous Forest Order. The following roads remain closed: Mt. Raymond Road, Big Sandy Road, White Chief Mtn. Road, Sky Ranch Road (Between its intersections with FS Road 5S40Z and 6S07), Lost Lake Road, Chiquito Lake Road, and Red Top Road.  For more information, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sierra/alerts-notices/?aid=74510 For information regarding Wawona Repopulation or Yosemite National Park Fire restrictions, please visit: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8209/ Tip Line: If you were at or near the Mariposa Grove on July 7, 2022, please contact the NPS Investigative Services Branch (ISB)
Call/Text – (888)-653-0009     Email- nps_isb@nps.gov        Online: Submit a Tip