The Wildcat Fire is continuing to burn in Yosemite along the Tuolumne River and has scorched over 500 acres so far.
Union Democrat: The fire along the Tuolumne River, called the Wildcat Fire, is burning on the north side of the Tuolumne River, between Pate Valley and Glen Aulin — about five miles up river from Hetch Hetchy Reservoir.
The Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne River trail is closed from Glen Aulin to Pate Valley.
The canyon is one of the most remote, steep and rugged areas in Yosemite, said Gary Wuchner, Yosemite fire information officer. Red fir, Jeffrey pine and brush are providing the fire’s fuel.
Three eight-person fire crews— two from Yosemite and one from the Stanislaus National Forest— were sent out to the fire’s perimeter on Friday, Wuchner said. They’ll remain camped near the fire for eight days to manage the blaze and monitor its behavior.
Because of the remoteness of the fire and lack of values to protect, crews will cut fire lines and use natural barriers a distance away from where the blaze currently is burning.
“We’ll allow the fire to roam in its natural direction,” Wuchner said.
The fire is expected to grow from between 1,500 acres to 3,500 acres before it’s extinguished, he said.
Flames are mostly spreading to the east and northeast.
Photo by Gingerbeardman.