El Portal And Sand Fire Updates

Yosemite, CA — The El Portal Fire, which is burning in Yosemite National Park and the Stanislaus National Forest, is up to 2,632 acres.

Officials say there is no containment. One structure has been destroyed and several more are threatened. There is still no access to Yosemite Valley from Highway 120 due to Big Oak Flat Road being closed. You can, however, continue on 120 to Tioga Pass and enter the other areas of the park, except the valley, from Highway 120. Yosemite Valley is open via Highway 140 and Highway 41. Crane Flat, Bridalveil Creek, and Yosemite Creek Campgrounds are closed, as are the communities of Old El Portal and Foresta.

A Type 1 Fire Management Team is now managing fire operations. There are 585 firefighters on scene. In addition to ground crews, a DC-10, 8 tankers, and 6 helicopters are being used to fight the fire. There will be a community meeting at six o’clock tonight at the El Portal School.

In Amador County, the 3,800 acre Sand Fire is now 50% contained. That fire is east of Highway 49, north of the community of Plymouth. Close to 2,000 firefighters are on scene. 10 homes have been destroyed, and seven outbuildings.