Washburn fire 17% contained, 3773 acres; Electra Fire 95% contained, 4478 acres

The Washburn Fire burning at the southern end of Yosemite continues to burn, with firefighters losing some containment overnight. The fire is now 17 percent contained and has burned 3,773 acres. The Electra Fire in Amador and Calaveras counties is now 95 percent contained and is at 4,478 acres.

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. other areas of Yosemite National Park are open

The weather for the coming week continues to be warm and dry resulting in active to very active fire behavior. This active behavior will include group torching and runs of intense fire in the crowns of trees on slopes. Expect winds over the incident area to remain light to moderate and mostly terrain driven. Temperatures will reach the low-90s and relative humidity is predicted to be in the 20-30% range. Weather and fuels will continue to produce a large smoke column each afternoon. Expect smokey conditions, and some could be back in the Lake Tahoe Basin. To see smoke direction each day, visit https://fire.airnow.gov/.

For many years there has been a concerted effort to reduce the large
amounts of trees (both living and dead) in certain areas within Yosemite National Park. This never-ending task involves thinning trees with a variety of masticating and chipping equipment, chainsaws and through the use of low-intensity ground fire when conditions permit. The high severity fire activity we are currently experiencing on the Washburn Fire is the result of the fire being fueled by a large forested area with an extremely concentrated biomass. So, who or what benefits from the reduction of the biomass? If you have a chance to visit the Mariposa Grove after the fire you will see the results of a low-intensity fire burning in an area where the biomass has already been reduced. The result is that the Mariposa
Grove survived, remains in good health and a healthier habitat has been created for local flora and fauna.

On Saturday, July 9 a tree branch was sent into the air from the powerful updraft produced by the fire. As it dropped back to earth, it narrowly missed two firefighting aircraft. Fortunately, there were no injuries and no damage. We are all grateful for the hard work and risks are taken by everyone involved in the firefighting effort.

The Washburn Fire is now active on the Sierra National Forest as well as in Yosemite. To aid firefighters and protect public safety during the Washburn Fire, Forest Routes 5S43, 5S06 (Mt. Raymond Rd.), 5S22 and 5S37 have been closed to the public. The lands affected are less than 1% of the 1.3 million acre Sierra National Forest. This Forest Order will be effective from July 13, 2022, through August 1, 2022. Map: Closure Map