Evacuations
There are currently no mandatory or advisory evacuation orders effective in Mariposa or Tuolumne Counties, however there are roads that remain closed. Highway 120 at the Yosemite National Park boundary west to Buck Meadows has been evacuated.
Road Closures
Highway 120 remains closed from Buck Meadows to 1 ½ miles east of White Wolf. Highway 120 east/Tioga Road remains open from 1 ½ miles east of White Wolf to the Tioga Pass entrance. Cherry Lake Road is closed at Highway 120. Evergreen Road and Old Yosemite Road are also closed. Highway 120 from Ferretti Road to Buck Meadows remains open for local residents and businesses only.
Forest Closure
Yosemite National Park has closed Tamarack Flat and Yosemite Creek Campgrounds, both located along Tioga Road. White Wolf Campground and White Wolf Lodge remain closed. The Stanislaus National Forest has issued an area closure for the entire Groveland Ranger District and for the Mi-Wok Ranger District east of Highway 108. Additional details are available from the Stanislaus 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.
Incident Overview
Yesterday there was minimal growth on the Rim Fire. An updated acreage is not available because last night's infrared flight was grounded due to mechanical difficulties. On the southeast flank, control lines are holding well, and last night's firing operations were successful off the Tioga Road. Today the main fire is expected to advance towards the Tioga Road and areas burned out last night. Hot and dry conditions are expected to persist through the weekend. Winds gusting up to 18 to 25 mph out of the SSE could challenge containment lines on the fire's northeast flanks. Fire crews are working to improve containment lines on the north flank. Crews are also continuing mop-up and improvement of containment lines on the fires western flank.
Current Situation
Size: 237,341 acres - 80% contained
Total Personnel: 3,975
Injuries: 5
Structures Destroyed: 111 (11 residences, 97 outbuildings, 3 commercial)
Structures Threatened: 4,500
Current Weather: Wind 18 mph SW | 78 degrees | Humidity 33%
Weather conditions will be similar to yesterday although slightly drier. Light showers possible with little to no rainfall and a 10% chance of thunderstorms.
Fire Behavior
Active fire behavior in the interior of existing control lines, short range spotting with large diameter fuels continuing to consume completely. Very low fuel moistures, high probability of ignition and heavy fuel loading is leading to a high resistance to control.
Significant Events
Highway 120 from Ferretti Road to Buck Meadows is open to residents and businesses only; and, highway 120 will remain closed at Buck Meadows and beyond. The Cherry Creek Road also remains closed at the junction of highway 120. Evergreen Road and Old Yosemite Road continues to be closed. The community of evergreen continues to be evacuated. Tioga Road West of Yosemite Creek Picnic Area remains closed. A forest closure order is in effect for locations near and in advance of the fire. Access and difficult terrain remain concerns for crews and equipment..
Outlook
Estimated containment date: September 20th
Planned Actions
Wildland Fire Modules are assigned to Division M north of Cherry and Eleanor Lakes to monitor the fires advancement and contain spread in the rocky terrain where fingers of sparse fuels are present. Completion of direct and indirect line construction with burnout as necessary in Division P south of Harden Lake in Yosemite National Park. Continued burnout operations planned in Yosemite National Park along Tioga Road in Division P as favorable conditions allow. Reinforcement of control lines in Divisions F and K. Patrol and mopup in all other divisions.
Remarks
The extremely dry fuels, high winds and potential for long-range spotting remain a significant concern for the fire to advance or spot beyond control lines. Approximately 2,490 structures remain threatened in areas near the fire perimeter to the north, south, and southeast portions of the fire.
