El Portal Fire grows to 4,200 acres, Foresta evacuations to be lifted
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Firefighters have gained a lot of ground with the fire now 58 percent contained. Later this afternoon, the evacuation orders are expected to be lifted for the community of Foresta.
The fire has burned 4,198 acres and is about two- miles away from the Merced Grove of Giant Sequoias. Crews are strengthening fire lines cut during last year's Rim Fire to protect that area.
The evacuation order will be lifted for the community of Foresta on Friday, August 1 at 3:00 p.m., after which time the residents are allowed to return to their homes.
The fire exhibited moderate fire behavior under more favorable weather conditions, allowing for successful firing operations. Air resources were used to pretreat fuels to prevent the establishment of spot fires on the northeastern portion of the fire. Poor relative humidity recovery will continue to extend the burning period into the evening at the upper elevations of the fire.
Firing operations started Thursday and continued Thursday night along the northwestern fire perimeter. On the lower half of the fire, crews began to mop up, patrol, and backhaul equipment and will continue tonight.
Location: Communities of El Portal, Foresta in Yosemite Park and Stanislaus National Forest
Threats:
The community of Foresta (The mandatory evacuation order remains in effect until August 1, 2014, at 3:00 P.M., after which time the residents are allowed to return to their homes.)
The Merced Sequoia Grove
Significant Events
Planned re-population of the community of Foresta on 8/1 at 1500 hours. The fire was active again last night in the thermal belt but minimal elsewhere on the fire.
Smoke issues on the El Portal Fire:
Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with heart or lung disease, including asthma, are more vulnerable to the adverse health effects of smoke from wildfires. If heavy smoke is present, vulnerable people should take precautions and avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity. The effects of smoke can change quickly, so sensitive or at-risk individuals might consider leaving the area when a long-duration smoky wildfire is forecasted; they should consult their healthcare provider to determine appropriate protective measures to take. Yosemite air quality
Cause: Under Investigation
Size: 4,198 acres
Percent Contained: 58%
Planned Actions
Repopulated the community of Foresta. Continued mop-up on the East and West sides of the fire. Construct direct and indirect line on the Northwest and Northeast portions of the fire. Continued the firing operation on the North side of the fire.
Projected Incident Activity
Despite the winds out of the southwest,fire could spread predominately to the north and northwest because of topography. Potential spread west toward Merced Sequoia Grove and West into Moss Canyon.
Remarks
Extremely steep and remote terrain required heavy dependence on Type 1 Hand Crews and aviation assets. Fire Suppression Repair Plans are being developed. To date, 3 firefighters have been injured.
Weather Concerns
Fire Weather will become hotter and drier through the weekend.
