Two Lightning Caused Fires Being Managed in Yosemite

[usonian]

https://sierranewsonline.com/two-lightning-caused-fires-being-managed-in-yosemite/
Posted by: Trisha Jacobs August 22, 2022




YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK–The Red and Rodgers Fires are burning in Yosemite National Park in the higher elevations, away from any infrastructure or populated areas. Both fires were caused by lightning and are being managed as suppression fires with confine and contain strategies. Firefighters are working to keep the fires within natural barriers.

Firefighters assigned to the Red Fire are reporting intense creeping and smoldering fire behavior and the fire has spread to 749 acres between Red Creek and Illilouette Creek. With this fire being in such a remote location, Yosemite Helitack crew 551 has been aiding in the transportation of fire personnel, restocking of food and supplies, and hauling out trash accumulated by crews.

The Rodgers Fire made quite a smoky scene yesterday afternoon as temperatures increased. The smoke produced was due to the fire growing towards an area with high vegetation. The vegetation consists of mostly dead trees, brush, and finer fuels. The fire burning out this area will clear the dead fuels, allow new vegetation to grow, and create a healthier forest.



Yosemite Fire and Aviation report on their Facebook page that “In addition to the amazing Yosemite Module we have in the park (who was able to get some days off), we are fortunate to have our neighboring Mammoth Module from Inyo National Forest here to assist with the lightning-caused fires. Fire modules are typically a team of 8-10 firefighters skilled in various firefighting techniques and tend to be relied upon for remote fires in the wilderness. The modules are self-sufficient and plan to be in mostly unpopulated areas for multiple days at a time. They report on fire activity, behavior, weather, and air quality while taking into account all safety aspects-including where they sleep!”


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
InciWeb (Incident Information System)
https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/

Yosemite National Park’s Fire News Page
https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/news/firenews.htm