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Saturday, August 24, 2013

Massive Wildfire Near Yosemite National Park, 125,000 Acres


What may well become one of California’s largest wildfires, the Rim fire has already consumed 125,000 acres near Yosemite National Park and has no intentions of slowing. It  was an impressive sight to see yesterday afternoon as the fire consumed some 30,000 acres. The fire is moving into the area for San Francisco’s drinking water, the Hetch Hetchy reservoir in Yosemite National Park.
 
The fire started Saturday August 17 at 3:15 PM on the Groveland Ranger District, Stanislaus National Forest and has steadily marched north east since its inception. It is still primarily on the Stanislaus National Forest burning in heavy fuels and old growth timber. Structures have been evacuated and a massive mutual aid call out for County, State and Federal resources are still funneling in. Units from Los Angeles County and Los Angeles City Fire Departments are responding as well as hand crews from Kern County and the Los Padres National Forest.
 
There is no expected containment time and it may burn until winter rain and snow arrive since the fire may hit wilderness areas soon. Yosemite Park is one of the world’s pristine natural treasures and has not been impacted too bad as of yet by this monstrous wildfire.
 
Fire potential is very large, fire intensity is extreme, crowning and spotting in timber and heavy brush. Highway 108 on the west side may be impacted in a few days. Terrain is rugged with narrow mountain roads, wildlife impacted in natural areas. Highway 120 remains closed. Firefighter safety paramount falling timber and burning snags, extreme fire behavior and very steep terrain.
 













 
Photos Copyright Jeff Zimmerman, 2013

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