by oakroscoe » Mon Aug 31, 2009 12:36 pm
Here's the latest:
Update: August 31, 2009 Morning
As wildfires rage out of control across California, threatening thousands, the Big Meadow Fire in Yosemite National Park and Stanislaus National Forest, California, has grown from 4,382 to 4,909 acres. The Big Meadow Fire was set by Yosemite National Park Fire Crews on August 26, 2009 as a prescribed burn and shortly thereafter, the fire grew out of the prescription lines.
Current Situation from InciWeb: "The fire continues to burn actively (a large column of smoke was visible yesterday) in the wilderness towards Tioga Road near Tamarack Flat and northwest in Upper Crane Creek drainage. Today, firefighters will continue to aggressively build indirect fire line away from the fires edge. The strategy is to use indirect fire line along with opportunities to conduct burnout operations (when conditions safely permit) to stop the forward progress of the fire. Firefighters will also continue to reinforce fire lines east of El Portal and around Foresta. No major fire activity was reported in these areas."
Special Announcements: Due to fire operations, the Tioga Road between Crane Flat and White Wolf may close or access may be limited at any time today. Visitors on the east side can access Tuolumne Meadows, Olmsted Point, and White Wolf. However, through travel may be limited or restricted at any time.
Public Meeting: A fire update meeting is scheduled for El Portal on Monday, August 31, at 6:30 pm at the El Portal School.
Road Closures: The Big Oak Flat Road from Crane Flat Gas Station to the intersection of El Portal Road and Big Oak Flat Road. Road Closures information is available by calling 209-372-2000.
Trail Closures: Old Big Oak Flat Trailhead to El Capitan, Rockslides to El Capitan, Tamarack Creek to El Capitan.
Campground Closures: Tamarack and Crane Flat Campgrounds.
The fire is 55% contained.
--Information from NPS via InciWeb
For additional fire information please visit InciWeb. In addition, visitors may call 209-372-0669 or 209-372-0327 for updated fire information during business hours.
You can also follow on Twitter (@YosemiteNPS) for updates.