Published Saturday, July 9, 2022 | PM Update | 1830 PT
INCIDENT SUMMARY
The Washburn Fire is burning near the lower portion of the Mariposa Grove, which ignited on July 7, 2022.
According to Yosemite National Park fire officials, their communications center received multiple 9-1-1 calls at 1404 hours PT, reporting smoke visible from the lower Mariposa Grove area, near the Washburn trail inside the Yosemite National Park.
Located in the southern portion of Yosemite, the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is the largest sequoia grove in Yosemite and is home to over 500 mature giant sequoias.
SIZE UP
Just after 1600 hours (4:00pm) PT, OCFA’s Intel 24 mapped the fire out at 1,384 acres. There is an unknown containment status at this time.
Fire behavior remains moderate with long-range spotting, group torching, and backing.
RESOURCES
There is approximately 209 total personnel assigned.
The CAIIMT 13 members have assumed command of this incident.
Incident Cooperators include CAL FIRE, CHP, and Red Cross.
Air resources include AA, HT95B, and OCFA Intel 24 with additional large air tankers and two additional sky cranes on order.
EVACUATIONS
Evacuations — Wawona Community and Wawona Campground.
Evacuation Shelter — New Life Christian Fellowship located at 5089 Cole Road in Mariposa, California.
Red Cross Volunteers are on-site with safe shelter, food, water, and additional resources.
THREATENED
Most of the forest surrounding the entire grove has been said it is in danger of being impacted by fire as it has not burned at all in the last 100 years. However, the Grove has burned at least one time prior in the last 40 years. Firefighters are working to do “tree” protection as a way to save these amazing, beautiful and historical natural wonders.
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