Single Publication

Today will be the last Daily Update for the Washburn Fire, unless

significant fire activity occurs.

Washburn Fire Update- Mostly sunny skies and less smoke from the Oak fire allowed temperatures to warm yesterday under a strong high-pressure system over the northern part of the state. This high pressure over the northern part of the state will keep temperatures seasonably warm with low humidity values. Temperatures will range from near 800 at the upper elevations to the lower 900s near Wawona.  

The remaining uncontained portion of the fire remains along the perimeter burning near Star Lakes. This portion of the fire is burning in and around large granite rock screes in sparse vegetation. These natural unburnable features limit the potential for the fire to spread much further than its current location. Smoke is primarily impacting areas immediately around the fire with moderate impacts east and north of the fire from Coulterville to Wawona. The efforts of first responders have greatly reduced the complexity of the incident. California Incident Management Team 15 will be transitioning command of the Washburn fire to a local Type-3 team which will continue with the management of the incident.  

Oak Fire- The Oak Fire is now 52% contained at 19,240 acres. This fire is currently burning west of Yosemite in the Mariposa/Midpines area.  Information for the Oak Fire can be found by visiting: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2022/7/22/oak-fire/ or by calling 844-MMU-FIRE (844-668-3473).

Air Quality- For information, visit: airnow.gov.

Wawona Reopen - Wawona town, Wawona Hotel, and surrounding trails are open.  Mariposa Grove of the Giant Sequoias (and trails to it), as well as Wawona Campground, remain closed until further notice.  At this time, there is not an estimated opening date. All other areas of Yosemite are open, although a reservation is required to drive into the park if arriving between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. 

Highways Reopened- Highway 140 through Mariposa County to Yosemite National Park is open to all lanes of traffic. Wawona Road (Highway 41) is open. Please drive carefully as fire suppression vehicles and equipment are still in the area. 

Washburn Fire Forest Closure- Forest Order No. 05-15-51-22-27- Effective July 23, 2022 through August 1, 2022, 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