YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK–The Washburn Fire has been burning since July 7th, 2022, in Yosemite National Park (YNP) near the Mariposa Grove. The fire is currently 4,911 acres and 50% contained. On Sunday, July 17, 2022, residents and property owners returned to a smoky Wawona and this morning, Monday, July 18, 2022, the Wawona Road (Highway 41) was opened for employees only. Helpful links are available at the end of the article.
Wawona Road
Wawona Road (the continuation of Highway 41 into Yosemite) from the south boundary of the park to Yosemite West remains closed to the public until further notice. However, it will open 24 hours per day to people who reside or work in Yosemite or Yosemite West on July 18 at 6 am with no escorts. The community of Wawona remains closed except to Wawona residents and property owners. Check https://go.nps.gov/repop for details.
The Wawona Road (Highway 41) is closed to the public from the South Entrance to Henness Ridge Road. Yosemite West remains accessible from the northern side of the Wawona road. The Mariposa Grove is closed until further notice.
Fire Managers Plans
The Mariposa Grove
The giant sequoias of the Mariposa Grove have avoided serious damage from the Washburn Fire due, largely in part, to prescribed burns that have taken part over the last several years. Most of these trees are over 2000 years old and have experienced fire many times throughout their lives. More information about fire in YNP is available at Fire Ecology of Yosemite National Park and Sequoias trees, forest condition and resource protection efforts.
HELPFUL LINKS
Inciweb official incident information
Deadwood Wildfire Alert Camera
Yosemite Fire and Aviation Facebook Page
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