A fire caused by a lightning strike in late July has burned over 1000 acres in Yosemite National Park. Park officials have reported that the blaze was most active in the northeast toward Register Creek which made maneuverability of fire crews difficult due to the rugged terrain. The fire, referred to by Park officials as the Wildcat fire, began burning on the north side of the Tuolumne River between Pate Valley and Water Wheel Falls.
Most of the vegetation located on the steep cliff sides of Register Creek are burning rapidly while crews try to contain the spreading fire. There are 3 fire crews monitoring and managing the growth of the Wildcat fire while waiting for the blaze to move away from the steep cliff sides. Fire crews have been on alert for rock and timber roll-out as well as other safety concerns which have postponed any action taken against the blaze. All crews have been ordered to use indirect tactics until the fire moves to more accessible areas of the forest. Several trail closures are in affect including the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne from top of the Water Wheel falls to Pate Valley. Further trail closures may be considered and can be accessed by visiting www.nps.gov/yose.
