YOSEMITE – The Rim Fire has now burned 255,858 acres – over 400 square miles – and is now 81% contained.
As of today, Sept. 15, 11 residences have been lost and 3 commercial properties destroyed, along with 98 outbuildings.
There are 323 structures still listed as threatened.
Cost to date for suppression efforts is $111.3 million. There have been 9 injuries reported in connection with the fire, and 1,935 personnel remain assigned to the incident.
Tioga Pass Road (Hwy 120) is open across Yosemite National Park. For your safety visitors are not permitted to stop along the road adjacent to the fire perimeter.
Fire Update
Last night fire behavior was limited. Today fire resources will continue to patrol all areas of the fire perimeter. Temperatures are expected to be cooler and gusty winds may create active fire behavior in the interior.
Suppression repair continues. Repairs to date include 31 miles of dozer line, 2 miles of handline, 36 miles of chipping along roads and 14 miles of road repair. For a Google map tour with photos of the current fire situation go to http://tinyurl.com/rimfirekmz
Public Safety
Anyone traveling on roads within the fire area should use extreme caution as fire personnel and equipment continue to work in the area. Hazards include smoke weakened trees (that may fall) and hot burning stump holes. Please be extra cautious with the possibility of snags falling due to predicted high winds today.
If you must drive through the fire area please do not stop leave the roadway or enter the burned area on foot.
Park and Forest Closures
Tamarack Flat Yosemite Creek and White Wolf Campgrounds and White Wolf Lodge along Tioga Road remain closed.
The Stanislaus National Forest issued an updated Rim Fire Area Closure (dated September 12, 2013) for the Groveland and Mi-Wok Ranger Districts.
Additional information is available from the Stanislaus National Forest Supervisor’s Office 209-532-3671, Mi-Wok Ranger Station 209-586-3234, Summit Ranger Station 209-965-3434, and Groveland Ranger Station 209-962-7825.
Road Openings
Evergreen Road is open to Evergreen Lodge. Highway 120 is open. The Big Oak Flat Road is open to Yosemite Valley. Local businesses are open and providing services (gasoline food and lodging) for travelers.
Road Closures
Cherry Lake Road is closed at Highway 120. Old Yosemite and Hardin Flat Roads are closed. Some secondary roads within the fire area remain closed to non-residents.
