Update: South Fork Fire Increases To 4,012 Acres

Update at 10:05am: Yosemite National Park officials report that the South Fork Fire is up to 4,012 acres and it remains at 22-percent containment. The mandatory evacuation order for Wawona was lifted this morning for residents on the west side of Chilnualna Creek, and residents on the east side will be allowed to return Thursday. Burning operations are now completed above Wawona.

Original story at 6:45am: Yosemite, CA — 22-percent containment has been reached on the South Fork Fire burning in Yosemite National Park.

As of this morning it is 3,820 acres and full containment is still anticipated by Sunday, September 3rd. The mandatory evacuation order is being lifted this morning at 7am for the community of Wawona, but only residents, property owners and employees are allowed to return and identifications are required. However, the evacuation area east of Chilnualna Creek will remain closed. The fire continues to put off some heavy drift smoke in the region. Today crews will continue to work towards strengthening containment lines on the southern flank of the fire, and build new lines on the western edge.