Putting Rim Fire To Bed
Tuolumne County, CA – The Incident Command reports it is feeling confident. The fire has grown just slightly to 255,858 acres or 400 square miles and is still 80% contained. The number of firefighters is down to 2,572. The cost is now $107 million.
Incident Command Spokesperson Richard Hadley says, “I think you will see the containment go up in the next several days. We’re getting closer to putting this one to bed. So we’re feeling really confident. “
Here is the update from incident Command on the Rim Fire suppression efforts.
Fire Update:
Today, fire activity was minimal with the exception of the areas north of Hetch Hetchy reservoir in the Yosemite Wilderness and in the interior where unburned vegetation continues to burn. Suppression repair continues on fire containment lines. Tonight, crews will continue to patrol, mop-up and monitor areas for fire activity. Inside containment lines, the fire will continue to be active in the Clavey River, Reynolds Creek and Jawbone Creek drainages as well as to the west of Harden Lake, Harden Road and Tioga Road.
Public Safety:
Anyone traveling on roads within the fire area should use extreme caution. Fire personnel and equipment continue to work in the area. Hazards include, smoke, weakened trees which could fall and hot burning stump holes. Fire Official say if you must drive through the fire area please do not stop, leave the roadway or enter the burned area on foot.
Park and Forest Closures:
Yosemite National Park has closed Tamarack Flat and Yosemite Creek Campgrounds, both located along Tioga Road. White Wolf Campground and White Wolf Lodge remain closed. The Stanislaus National Forest issued an updated on the Rim Fire Closure for the Groveland and Mi-Wok Ranger Districts. At midnight tonight, areas in the north section of the forest will re-open to allow access to Crabtree Road area. Hadley says with hunting season coming up and plenty of hunters already holding permits the forest has deemed the area safe. However, the actual fire area will be closed for the winter.
Road Openings:
Evergreen Road is opened to Evergreen Lodge. State Hwy 120 is open to Crane Flat. The Big Oak Flat Road is open. Businesses are open and providing services (gasoline, food and lodging) for travelers.
Road Closures:
State Route 120 (Tioga Road) remains closed from Crane Flat to 1 ½ miles east of White Wolf. Park visitors can access Tuolumne Meadows from SR-395 via the park entrance at Tioga Pass. Cherry Lake Road is closed at State Route 120. Evergreen Road, Old Yosemite Road and Hardin Flat Road are closed. Some secondary roads within the fire area remain closed to non-residents
