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Yosemite National Park
Powerhouse Fire Contained in Yosemite National Park

Date: September 18, 2006

Firefighters have contained the Powerhouse Fire and mop up operations are underway. The fire was discovered today at approximately 5:00 am. Using GPS, fire managers accurately assessed the fire at 3.5 acres. The fire is ½ mile west of the Big Oak Flat (Highway 120 in the park)/ El Portal Road (Highway 140 in the park) junction.

Yosemite National Park firefighters and California Department of Forestry crews are working to contain the fire. There are 70 firefighters, 4 engines, and 1 helicopter committed to this fire.

All roads and facilities are open. However, visitors should expect traffic control along the El Portal Road. This is for both public and firefighter safety. Mop up and patrol operations will continue for the next several days.

The Powerhouse Fire is a human-caused fire and is being actively investigated.

Low intensity fire in Yosemite  

Did You Know?
Natural fires in Yosemite are often no more than a single burning snag (standing dead tree) or a slow moving, low intensity fire that cleans underbrush from the forest floor. These fires prevent unwanted fires by removing accumulating forest debris that can fuel a larger fire in hot, dry conditions.

Last Updated: September 18, 2006 at 19:15 EST