A steep area with large rocky outcrops
10:06AM PDT Jul 15, 2022
The remaining challenge on the 4,759-acre Washburn Fire in Yosemite National Park is to encircle the eastern side as it has spread into the Sierra National Forest, a steep area with large rocky outcrops.
They’ve set up three helicopter points on the north side of the South Fork of the Merced River and one on the south side that can be used to get firefighters in. Their plan is to include a small group of hotspots on the east side of the fire south of the river at Helispot 5 on the map below, indicated by Chief Planning Operations Officer Matt Ahern. Their job will be to create a line of fire at that corner, west of Iron Creek, and work up the slopes and ascents to stabilize and stabilize them at that point. Mr. Ahern said this would enable hotshot crews to “come off the top”.
Fire emergency lines are set up some distance from the fire on the south and east sides in case severe weather causes fire in those directions.
The back cabin east of the fire, built in 1931, was rehabilitated at great cost. The wooden shingle roof was replaced by another shingle roof. Since it is highly prone to fires, and in an area without roads, the firefighters will be transported by helicopter to the area, fall to the ground, and wrapped in the shell of a structure based on foil.
Mr. Ahern said that most of the edge of the fire near Mariposa Grove of giant sequoia has been secured by the fire line.
“Overall, the incident is in a very good place,” Mr. Ahearn said. “We still have a tremendous amount of work and commitment from our outstanding crew and air resources to break through Iron Creek.”
The infrared video below, taken at 10:39 p.m. on July 14, shows the eastern side of the fire.
OES Intel 24, July 14 with Video #2 #WashburnFire Yosemite National Park. The fire was set on 4,734 acres at 22:38. pic.twitter.com/bMIeyW9E5B
– FIRIS (FIRIS) July 15 2022
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