Update: Further Details On New Yosemite Fire That Blocked A Park Entrance
Update at 1:30pm: Yosemite National Park Fire officials have released new details on the Rattlesnake Fire that ignited Thursday afternoon along Big Oak Road. The flames were ignited by an RV that caught fire and spread north into some grass and shrubs near the intersection of Foresta Road. The blaze is 16 acres and crews have made progress gaining 63 percent containment.
As reported here yesterday, the flames shut down a stretch of that roadway between Crane Flat and the El Portal Road (Hwy140) blocking the Highway 120 entrance to the park. Big Oak Flat Road opened backup this morning, but one-way traffic control remains in place causing traffic delays for those entering or exiting Yosemite via Highway 120.
Fire officials say the flames are burning in the old Big Meadow Burn scar which has limited its spread. Today, crews will continue to mop up hot spots and secure containment lines.
Update at 5:30am: Yosemite National Park reports that Big Oak Flat Road is back open this morning, but officials are on scene directing traffic, so be prepared for a traffic delay if entering or exiting Yosemite via Highway 120. A vehicle reportedly caught on fire yesterday and it spread into nearby vegetation.
Original story posted at 7:12pm (9-7-17) Yosemite, CA — Due to a new fire sparked this afternoon on Big Oak Flat Road in Yosemite National Park, Big Oak Flat Road is closed between Crane Flat and the El Portal Road (Hwy140). This evening there is no access into the park via highway120. Park Fire officials say that section will be closed until further notice. Additionally, the park has not released information related to the fire.
