Update: Over 3,500 acres burned in Yosemite fire

Submitted by paula on Mon, 07/28/2014 - 10:33am

7/29/14 11:30 p.m. update: The El Portal Fire burning near Yosemite is now 34% contained. Firefighters gained good ground on all sides of the fire except for the northern portion which has caused concern for fire officials. Steep, rugged terrain continues to challenge the efforts of firefighters but progress is being made. The weather forecast calls for continued high temperatures reaching as high as 100 degrees near El Portal.

At this point in time 3,545 acres have burned. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.

The significant natural resources of Merced Grove Giant Sequoia within Yosemite National Park is threatened according to the National Park Service fire command website. The Big Oak Flat Road between State Highway 120 and Yosemite Valley is closed during peak visitor season creating a major impact to the local economy of the Gateway communities of Yosemite National Park and limits visitor access to the Park itself.

Original story:

A fire has been burning near Yosemite National Park since Saturday afternoon. The El Portal Fire, as its known, has burned 2,632 acres and is listed at 5% contained. It is burning oak trees, chaparral and grass at this time. One structure has also burned.

The park remains open but is having issues with smoke. Yosemite Valley, Glacier Point, and Wawona/Mariposa Grove areas are open and accessible via Highways 140 and 41. Tioga Road is not accessible via Highways 140 and 41 due to the fire.

The communities of El Portal and Foresta are still threatened. There have been evacuations as well as area and road closures.

Road closures at this time: The Big Oak Flat Road between Crane Flat and the El Portal Road is temporarily closed. There is no access to Yosemite Valley via the Big Oak Flat Road or Highway 120. Tioga Road is open and accessible via Big Oak Flat and Tioga Pass Entrances.

Campground closures at this time: Crane Flat, Bridalveil Creek, and Yosemite Creek Campgrounds are temporarily closed.

This information was updated by the NPS at 10 a.m. Monday morning. They will be having a community briefing at 6 p.m. Monday night. There is a Red Cross Resource center located at Tenaya Lodge, 1122 Hwy 41 in Fish Camp.