Smoke and haze from local fires invade Yosemite Valley. Photo by Antti.
The Wildcat Fire has become more active due to the higher temperatures and lower humidities, tied to the ridge of high pressure over the region.
Approximately 650 acres have burned. Fire managers will have more accurate acreage after a reconnaissance flight today.
The lightning caused fire continues to burnon the north and south sides of the Tuolumne River, and up onto the north rim of the Tuolumne River Canyon throughRed Fir, Jeffery Pine and brush. The most active flanks are to the northeast toward Register Creek; the west flank; and to the east toward Return Creek. Three Wildland fire modules continue to be spiked out near the fire perimeter to monitor this fire (Yosemite Crews 6 and 7, and Stanislaus National Forest Calaveras Module). This fire is located in one of the most remote, steep and rugged wilderness areas of the Park.
Firefighters began actions of clearing brush and placing a light scratch line for defensive purposes ahead of the eastern perimeter fire line, near Return Creek and to the bottom of the river canyon.
Weather forecasters have predicted higher temperatures with the high pressure ridge over the region. The temperatures will continue to remain high through the week. Smoke may be visible in the Tuolumne Meadows area and from other locations in the Park. Should the fire produce smoke that affects public health, fire managers are prepared to implement measures to reduce smoke impacts, for example water drops to cool the fire.