El Portal Fire Update for July 30, 2014 at 2:00pm

July 30, 2014 Posted by: Yosemite Fire Information
General El Portal Fire Information
The El Portal Fire remains very active in extremely steep and remote terrain requiring heavy dependence on TYPE 1 hand crews and aviation assets. As with any incident in Yosemite National Park, firefighter and public safety is our number one priority. We appreciate everyone’s assistance with this priority. 

  • The fire is currently 3,545 acres and 34% contained. 
  • Resources assigned include 864 Fire Personnel, 7 helicopters and fixed wing as needed
  • As of July 29 at 9AM, the evacuation order for Old El Portal was lifted. 
  • As of July 27, a Type 1 Interagency Management Team, from Southern California, was given command of this fire. The fire is on both NPS lands and Stanislaus National Forest. Joint Unified Command has been established.
  • On July 26, at approximately 3:15, the El Portal fire began in the community of El Portal. 
Foresta – Fire remains active near community
  • Evacuations remain in effect for Foresta.
  • Structures in Foresta remain threatened. Two structures have been lost in Foresta – both of which were lost on the first day of the fire, located at the same address.
  • Structure protection engines remain in the area. 
Campgrounds & Roads Affected 
  • The Big Oak Flat Road is closed between Big Oak Flat Entrance Gate to the junction of Highway 140. This is a hard closure until further notice for the public, employees and residents. Plan accordingly - alternate driving directions.
  • Tioga Road is open to Crane Flat.
  • Crane Flat and Yosemite Creek Campgrounds are closed.
  • Bridalveil Campground is being used for fire operations and is therefore closed.
  • Hodgdon Meadows Campground remains open. 
For more information
Fire updates for the El Portal Fire are provided by the Type 1 Incident Management Team, working closely with park management. Fire information call center: 209-372-0327 or 209-372-0328.

Additional Fire Activity in Yosemite – all lightning started fires in designated Wilderness
  • Dark Hole (647 acres, 5% contained) – managing for minimum impact to wilderness character and is being managed by the Type 1 Interagency Team. 
  • Mount Starr King (.5 acres) – smoldering and creeping
  • Lembert (.25 acres) – smoldering and creeping 
  • Cathedral (.5 acres) – smoldering and creeping 
  • Elbow (2 acres) – smoldering and creeping

Last updated: July 30, 2014

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