Tioga Road Access Restricted Due to Big Meadow Fire

Date: August 30, 2009

The Tioga Road in Yosemite National Park will have restricted access, between Crane Flat and White Wolf, beginning Monday, August 31, continuing until fire operations along the road are complete. This segment of the road will have controlled access with a pilot car during daylight hours, and be closed completely each night. Motorists should expect delays, which could begin as early as Monday morning.

The Big Meadow Fire continues to spread northeast and use of the Tioga Road for fire operations is necessary. Fire activity is dynamic and conditions may dictate a complete closure of Tioga Road at any time.

Visitors to Yosemite National Park may also experience delays on Route 140 due to fire operations. The Big Oak Flat Road, from Crane Flat Gas Station to the intersection of El Portal Road and Big Oak Flat Road, remains closed.  In addition, Crane Flat and Tamarack Flat Campgrounds, Foresta, Old El Portal, and Yosemite View Lodge also remain closed.  There is no projected opening date at this time.

The Big Meadow Fire in Yosemite National Park and Stanislaus National Forest has grown to 4,382 acres and is 50% contained.  The Big Meadow Fire was set by Yosemite National Park Fire Crews on August 26, 2009 as a prescribed burn and shortly thereafter, the fire grew out of the prescription lines.

For additional fire information please visit www.inciweb.org, www.nps.gov/yose/fire and www.nps.gov/fire/public/pub_firenews.cfm.  In addition, visitors may call 209-372-0669 or 209-372-0327 for updated fire information during business hours.