Residents forced to evacuate as fire in Yosemite grows

8/20 update: The fire grew minimally yesterday as thunderstorms skirted the perimeter. 3,191 acres have now burned and the fire is at 10 percent contained. Mandatory evacuations will remain in place in Wawona for the area east of Highway 41 on Forest Dr. and Chilnualna Falls Rd.

The fire remains active in all divisions. Crews are working in steep and inaccessible terrain with heavy fuel loads. Firefighters will continue to strengthen the firelines located east of Wawona and suppress spot fires occurring on the south of the South Fork of the Merced. A combination of firing operations, air support, and direct line construction will continue.

Aircraft will assist ground crews when conditions allow generally beginning mid-day. Strategic objectives remain the same: utilize air and ground resources to hold the western and southern flanks while monitoring the northern and eastern edges. Minimal Impact Suppression Tactics are being used in the Yosemite Wilderness to manage the area of the fire, using natural barriers such as rocks or streams, trails, and other minimal disturbance methods to contain the fire.

Thunderstorm activity is expected to cause erratic winds over the fire area throughout the week.

There are currently 522 personnel assigned to the fire: 13 hand crews, 7 helicopters, 13 engines.

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The South Fork Fire burning in Yosemite has grown to almost 3,000 acres, prompting evacuation of residents and visitors from the area of Wawona. Fire officials gave them orders at 11:00 a.m. Saturday to be out of their homes by 4:00 p.m.

Wawona, which has a population from 1,000 to 2,000 at any given time, is about one and a half miles from the fire. It is located in between the Yosemite Valley and the town of Oakhurst and home to Big Trees Lodge and the Wawona Golf Course.

Fire activity increased yesterday primarily due to downdraft winds from thunderstorms, and more of the same weather is expected to continue this weekend.

The fire started early Sunday, August 13. Though the cause has not be determined it is suspected to be lightning caused. The wildland fire started mid-ridge along the north side of the South Fork of the Merced River drainage, tough terrain for firefighters.

There is a Red Cross Shelter set up at Tenaya Lodge, with a community meeting held there this evening. Air quality specialists were present to answer questions from residents regarding smoke in the community.

Crews worked today to contain the spot fires that occurred late yesterday afternoon and evening. Aircraft assisted ground crews as conditions warranted after the inversion lifts and smoke clears. Strategic objectives remain the same: utilize air and ground resources to hold the western and southern flanks while monitoring the northern and eastern edges. Minimal Impact Suppression Tactics are being used in the Yosemite Wilderness to manage the area of the fire, using natural barriers such as rocks or streams, trails, and other minimal disturbance methods to contain the fire.

There are currently 528 personnel assigned to the fire: 13 hand crews, 7 helicopters, 11 engines, 3 air tankers.