Yosemite’s Washburn Fire Enters Sierra National Forest

Posted by: SNO Staff July 14, 2022 0 5,375 Views

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK–The Washburn Fire is currently burning within the Yosemite National Park (YNP) boundary near the Mariposa Grove area. The Mariposa Grove is closed indefinitely. The community of Wawona has been evacuated including residents, employees and park guests. The southern entrance to YNP via Highway 41 through Oakhurst is closed.

We will be adding updates to this article , please check back often. Helpful Links are at the bottom of the page.

Update 12:00pm 7.14.2022

The Washburn Fire has now burned 4,375 acres and the percent of the perimeter that is contained is 23%.

According to the fire managers the types of fuels involved include “very heavy accumulations of available dead surface fuels with ample snags, downed timber, and concentrations in an old-growth forest condition. Representative fuels include large timber with an understory of young conifer and shrubs. Very deep forest duff and accumulation of timber litter (branch wood and needles) dominate the forest floor. Recent large fire scars in the area include woody fuels and recent shrub growth. Live fuels (shrubs/brush) are seasonally moist and are providing limited intensity and spread.” from the InciWeb Incident Information System.

Washburn Fire Operational Map Thursday, 7.14.2022.

Sierra National Forest Washburn Fire closure order map.

Sierra National Forest: Washburn Fire Forest Closure Order: The Washburn Fire is active on the Sierra National Forest. To aid firefighters and protect public safety during the Washburn Fire, the Sierra National Forest has issued the Washburn Fire Forest Closure Order. Forest Routes 5S43, 5S06 (Mt. Raymond Rd.), 5S22 and 5S37 are closed to the public. The lands affected are less than 1% of the 1.3 million acre Sierra National Forest. This Forest Order 05-15-00-22-14 is effective from July 13, 2022, through August 1, 2022. For a more detailed description including a map, please view the following links: Forest Order 05-15-00-22-14 Full Press Release. Additionally, the Sierra National Forest has implemented forest-wide fire restrictions which limits the use of fires to certain designated developed sites and wilderness areas, Propane appliances will continue to be allowed.

An air tanker drops retardant on the Washburn fire in Yosemite National Park on Monday.(Godofredo A. Vásquez / Associated Press)

Firefighters and participating agencies are grateful for the support expressed in many ways by the local communities and the nation. Your patience as the fire is battled is noticed and very much appreciated.

Today’s vide update from the Incident Management Team.

Community Meeting: The Washburn Fire will host another Community Meeting Today, July 14, 2022 @ 7:00 PM. This meeting will be held at the Oakhurst Community Center, 39800 Fresno Flats Road (Road 425b), Oakhurst, CA. It will also be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/YosemiteFire