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Smoke from the South Fork Fire - photo NPS

Update On The South Fork Fire And Current Closures

YOSEMITE — As firefighters continue to make good progress on the South Fork Fire, burning east of the community of Wawona in Yosemite National Park, more crews are being released to return to their home units.

The fire is now estimated at 4,430 acres with 44 percent containment.

There are currently 108 personnel assigned to the incident.

Crews continue to hit hot spots and work the southeast portion in an effort to halt the eastern spread of the fire. Daily temps are increasing along with a drying trend, as firefighters work in very steep and inaccessible terrain.

Dry conditions will prevail through the weekend as a high pressure ridge builds over the region. This will bring a warming trend with hot temperatures across the lower elevations. Relative humidity will trend lower with some readings in the teens.

Repair and rehabilitation have begun within the Yosemite Wilderness.

Here is an update on the current closures:

  • The Swinging Bridge Trail on both the north and south sides of the South Fork of the Merced River is closed.
  • The Chilnualna Falls Trail from Wawona Trailhead to the top of Chilnualna Falls is closed.
  • The two mile connecting trail heading north from the top of Chilnualna Falls to the intersection of the Buena Vista Trail is open, but difficult to access.
  • The Chilnualna Creek Trail from the top of Chilnualna Falls east to the intersection of the Buena Vista and Buck Camp trails (Just east of Johnson Lake) is closed.
  • Off-trail areas in the vicinity of the fire are closed.
  • All climbing routes on and around Wawona Dome are closed.
  • Bridalveil Creek Campground is open.
  • Wawona trail (mule) rides are open today Aug. 27
  • Big Trees Golf Course is open.
  • The Badger Pass-Glacier Point shuttle is operating.
  • The Glacier Point Road will will remain open to the public however it will close periodically between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day when parking at Glacier Point fills to capacity (and will reopen when sufficient space is available). Traffic delays should be expected.
  • A voluntary ban on wood fires is in place in Yosemite Valley to reduce smoke. A mandatory ban may be instituted in the days to come..

The incident was transition from the South Central Sierra Interagency Incident Management Team, back to a local Type 3 organization. The new team continues to update the fire. For information about the South Fork Fire, call 209-379-1493 or email yose_fire_info@nps.gov.

All roads within the park remain open to travel.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The South Fork Fire was reported on Aug. 13, and the estimated date of containment is Saturday, Sept. 30.

Air quality links for Yosemite National Park:
https://app.airsis.com/USFS/UnitMap
https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/nature/aqmonitoring.htm

Click here for a detailed IAP map.

Click here for a heat map.

Click here for interactive map.

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