Meadow Fire in Yosemite now 10 percent contained

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The National Park Service says the fire burning in the Little Yosemite Valley area has burned 4,532 acres and is now 10 percent contained.

Incident Statics

• Acres Burned: 4,532
• Structures Threatened: 0
• Containment: 10%
• Structures Damaged: 0
• Fire Start Date: July 19, 2014
• Injuries: 0 Fire
• Discovered: 8/15/14
• Total Personnel: 407
• Fire Cause: Lightning
• Cost to date: $941,000

Summary

• The Fire is located within the designated wilderness of the Yosemite National Park in Mariposa County and is currently within Little Yosemite Valley between Half Dome and Mount Starr King on both sides of the Merced River.
• The fire spread significantly due to a wind event which occurred on September 7, 2014.
• Approximately 100 hikers and backpackers were evacuated from the fire area and an additional 85 hikers and climbers were evacuated by helicopter from the Summit of Half Dome on September 7 due to the rapid spread of the fire. Helicopters from the California Highway Patrol, U.S. Forest Service, Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park and Cal Fire were utilized to affect the evacuations.
• Recreation and businesses remain open in the Yosemite National Park except trail areas listed below.

Fire Update

• Firefighter and public safety remains the highest priority. Fire crews are being sensitive to environmental and cultural resources in and around the fire area.
• Last night's infrared flight showed significant heat around the north and southeast areas of the fire. Due today's increased temperatures and low relative humidity, spots outside the current fires perimeter are expected to flare. Fire crews may see individual or group tree torching.
• Due to the extremely steep, rugged and inaccessible terrain, some fire crews are being flown into the area by helicopter. Air resources, including seven helicopters are being utilized along the fire-line to slow the forward progress of the fire and to cool down hot spots. Due to the potential fire growth and extensive amount of work which remains, a high commitment of resources will be required.
• The fire continues to burn through popular hiking areas in Yosemite National Park and trail closures still remain in effect.
• Smoke from the Meadows Fire will continue to impact visitors, campers and employees overnight and in the early morning hours in Yosemite Valley.
• Fires of this magnitude can produce heavy smoke that blows down into Yosemite Valley. Be prepared for smoke in the unhealthy AQI range normally worse in the mornings with some clearing in the afternoon hours.

Trail Closures:

By order of the Superintendent of Yosemite National Park and under authority of Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 1.5(a) and Section (a)(1):

Echo Creek Drainage to Little Yosemite Valley

Sunrise Creek Drainage to Little Yosemite Valley

Merced River Corridor to Merced Lake Ranger Station

Sunrise Trail to Clouds Rest from Tenaya Lake

For More Information, call the Fire Information call center: (209) 372-0327;372-0328; and, 372-0329.

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