(KMJ) – Nearly 600 fire personnel now battle the Washburn Fire as it burns within the boundaries of Yosemite National Park. The fire now covers more than 3,200 acres and is 22% contained.
Here are the latest details on this fire:
The Washburn Fire was reported in the afternoon of July 7th, near the Washburn Trail in the Mariposa Grove area of Yosemite National Park. A full initial attack response was dispatched including Yosemite National Park Fire resources and state and local cooperators. California Interagency Incident Management Team 13 assumed command of the fire on Saturday, and will manage the fire as a full suppression fire.
Of significant importance is preventing or minimizing fire impacting to the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Firefighting resources will continue to arrive over the coming days.
The fire is burning in difficult terrain with continuous heavy fuels in and around the fire. Significant tree mortality from 2013 – 2015 has left dead standing and dead fallen fuels. This also presents significant safety hazards to firefighters.
Evacuations & Closures: The Wawona Road (Highway 41) is closed 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.
The Rest of the Park Remains Open: All other areas of Yosemite National Park are open. Use Highways 140 or 120 to enter Yosemite. Reservations are still required; visit www.recreation.gov for reservations. Expect smoky conditions within the park.
