Yosemite fire update

As of the latest park report Wednesday, the Meadow Fire burning in Yosemite National Park had consumed 4,532 acres, though no structures have been threatened. Containment is at 10 percent. The fire, which was started by lightning July 19, but wasn’t discovered until Aug. 15, has so far not caused any injuries, though more than 400 firefighters have been combating the incident, which has cost $941,000 to date.

The fire is located within Little Yosemite Valley between Half Dome and Mount Starr King on both sides of the Merced River. The fire spread significantly due to a wind event on Sept. 7, which led to the evacuation of approximately 100 hikers and backpackers from the fire area, and an additional 85 hikers and climbers by helicopter from Half Dome.

Recent dry weather, causing increased temperatures and low relative humidity, could cause areas outside the current fire perimeter to flare up and reignite. Park officials indicated crews might see individual or group tree torching.

So far, weather conditions have kept smoke out of Mammoth Lakes and surrounding communities. That could change in coming days, however, if the winds shift to the north and west, which is where the fire is oriented with respect to Mono County.

        –InciWeb/GBUAPCD/YNP