UPDATE 9PM 7/26: The Oak Fire continues to be 26 percent contained and grew a bit today to 18,532 acres. Although good progress continues on the fire, there is much work to be done, according to CalFIRE. An infrared flight over the fire showed minimal heat in Lushmeadows and surrounding communities. Crews have been able to hold and improve the fire line in the Mariposa Pines area. More evacuation orders were reduced to fire advisement early this afternoon. Very steep and rugged terrain continues to pose a challenge to crews on the North and Northeastern side of the fire, which is making the area inaccessible to bulldozers, requiring hand crews to access by foot to cut in a direct fire line. Smoke in the area also hampered aircraft. More resources will be sent to the north to assist with fire suppression. As forecasted, the monsoonal moisture increased relative humidity and lowered temperatures by a few degrees.
TUESDAY UPDATE: The Oak Fire is now 26 percent contained and 18,087 acres in size. Fire crews continue providing structure defense, extinguishing hot spots, and building and improving direct fire lines. Persistent drought, critically dry fuels and tree mortality continue to contribute to the fire’s spread. Humidity levels were slightly higher overnight as monsoonal moisture began to move in. Smoke from the fire is producing poor visibility to the north of the fire during the day and across the fire at night. Humidity is forecasted to begin to trend higher. Damage inspection continues within the fire perimeter.
MARIPOSA, Calif. Monday evening – It was a successful day for aircraft and firefighters on the Oak Fire Monday, resulting in minimal growth and more containment. Helicopters dropped 300,000 gallons of water on the fire during the day. The fire is now 16 percent contained and has burned 17,241 acres.
Crews continue to construct control lines and extinguish hot spots along existing lines. The fire is moving in a northeast direction and fire crews are working aggressively using bulldozers, hand crews, and aircraft. Evacuation orders were reduced to fire advisements in some areas.
Fire restrictions and closures near the fire area are in place on the Sierra National Forest. This closure will support public safety by keeping public members out of hazardous burn areas and will allow firefighting resources to combat the fire without public interference.
After reassessing the damage, there are now 55 structure destroyed, none damaged.
At this time there are 2,991 personnel working on the fire.