Flames from the Ferguson Fire burn down a hillside in unincorporated Mariposa County Calif., near Yosemite National Park on Sunday, July 15, 2018. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)
The Ferguson fire burning near Yosemite Park is now at over 13-thousand acres and containment has reached five percent. As of yesterday, nearly 15-hundred firefighters are battling the blaze that began Saturday afternoon, and weather conditions are expected to remain hot and dry for the next seven days. Currently no structures have been reported damaged or destroyed.
Yesterday, firefighters continued to focus on structure protection in the areas around El Portal, Yosemite West, and Jerseydale/Mariposa Pines. They successfully kept the fire on the South side of the Merced River and Highway 140. The fire grew primarily to the South and East, with the majority of the growth occurring in the late afternoon as the inversion lifted. The fire continues to back down Ferguson Ridge, into the Sweetwater Creek drainage, and behind Cedar Lodge. Crews are working 24 hours a day to scout and build fire lines in places with the greatest probability of success.
With a high-pressure system firmly in place over the West, smoke dispersal was minimal, hampering firefighting aircraft until late afternoon. Hot, dry conditions and steep terrain will continue to challenge firefighters. Currently no structures have been reported damaged or destroyed in the Ferguson Fire.
Power has been interrupted to residences and businesses along the El Portal area and Yosemite West area.
If you’re thinking of traveling to the area, road closures are in effect for Hwy 140 from 1.9 miles east of Midpines to the Cedar Lodge area. MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE AN ALTERNATE ROUTE.