Posted by: thepinetree on 08/01/2014 12:49 PM
Updated by: thepinetree on 08/01/2014 12:52 PM
Expires: 01/01/2019 12:00 AM
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Yosemite El Portal Fire Update. 4,198 Acres, 58% Contained, 1,360 Personnel
Yosemite, CA...Last night crews conducted burnout operations on the northwest flank of the fire; this tactic is used to slow the progression of the fire by starving it of fuels. Conditions were very favorable and the crews made considerable progress. On the lower portion of the fire, crews continued mopping up, securing the containment line, and removing trash and equipment no longer in use. The weather forecast calls for hot and dry conditions for the entire fire area today with a strong potential for spot fires outside the fire perimeter. Plenty of resources are in place to address this concern. Today burnout operations will continue as long as conditions are favorable. Crews will continue to mop up and secure the containment line. The evacuation that was in place in Foresta will be lifted at 3:00 P.M., and only residents will be allowed to enter the area. Complete details are enclosed....
August 1, 2014, 8:00 A.M.
Fire Start: July 26, 2014, 5:00 P.M.
Location: Old El Portal and Foresta
Cause: under investigation
Size: 4,198 acres
Percent Contained: 58%
Total Number of Personnel: 1,360
Costs to Date: $5.7 million
Expected containment date: 08/09/2014
Incident Commander: Carlton Joseph/California Interagency Incident Management Team 5 (CIIMT5)
Fire Summary: Last night crews conducted burnout operations on the northwest flank of the fire; this tactic is used to slow the progression of the fire by starving it of fuels. Conditions were very favorable and the crews made considerable progress. On the lower portion of the fire, crews continued mopping up, securing the containment line, and removing trash and equipment no longer in use. The weather forecast calls for hot and dry conditions for the entire fire area today with a strong potential for spot fires outside the fire perimeter. Plenty of resources are in place to address this concern.
Today burnout operations will continue as long as conditions are favorable. Crews will continue to mop up and secure the containment line. The evacuation that was in place in Foresta will be lifted at 3:00 P.M., and only residents will be allowed to enter the area.
Information Phones: El Portal Fire Call Center is open from 7:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. every day: (209) 372-0327, (209) 372-0328, and (209) 372-0329.
Threats:
The Merced Sequoia Grove
Smoke issues on the El Portal Fire:
Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with heart or lung disease, including asthma, are more vulnerable to the adverse health effects of smoke from wildfires. If heavy smoke is present, vulnerable people should take precautions and avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity. The effects of smoke can change quickly, so sensitive or at-risk individuals might consider leaving the area when a long-duration smoky wildfire is forecasted; they should consult their healthcare provider to determine appropriate protective measures to take.
For information visit the following website:
For health effects of wildland fire smoke: www.mariposacounty.org/index.aspx?NID=89
For Yosemite air quality:www.nps.gov/yose/naturescience/aqmonitoring.htm
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