California’s Oak Fire Grows to Almost 17,000 Acres

Posted: July 26, 2022 11:30 am

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News via Getty Images

After a weekend of continual setbacks, fire crews are finally beginning to gain ground on the Oak Fire burning near Yosemite National Park in California. Here is the latest on this dangerous wildfire.

Latest on Oak Fire

As of late Monday, the Oak Fire has scorched nearly 17,000 acres. This equates to over 20 square miles. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), crews have been able to get the blaze about 10% contained. The fire is burning in Mariposa County, about 75 miles north of Fresno and 150 miles southeast of the capital city of Sacramento.

The fire got its start on Friday, quickly growing in size and intensity. Authorities say that at least 10 structures have been destroyed at the hands of the flames. In addition, over 3,000 residents have been forced to evacuate their homes.

Mariposa Elementary School is being used as an evacuation center and small animal shelter. Larger animals can be taken to either the county fairgrounds or the Coursegold Rodeo Grounds.

Officials were forced to close some areas of the Sierra National Forest to the public because of the encroaching flames. Authorities say that the closures will give crews greater access without public interference.

Yosemite National Park Been in Crosshairs of Fires Recently

The Oak fire is the second wildfire to impact the area surrounding Yosemite National Park in the last few weeks. The Washburn Fire is now the second-largest blaze in the state. As of Monday, this fire had burned almost 5,000 acres and was 87% contained.

Environmentalists had been worried that the Washburn Fire would take out some of the park’s most famous giant sequoia trees. However, none of the named trees have been lost as a result of that fire yet.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency on Saturday, freeing up resources and help for crews. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also provided the state with a Fire Management Assistance Grant in order to provide additional resources.

Dangerous Smoke Triggers Poor Air Quality

The dangerous smoke is quickly spreading around the region. Satellite imagery indicates that the smoke is moving to the northwest. The air quality levels in Midpines, California have plummeted to a dangerous designation. Hazardous air quality has also been reported in Fresno. Officials are advising residents to reschedule outdoor activities. This is particularly important for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, or those with underlying respiratory issues.

The National Weather Service (NMS) confirmed on Monday that the Sierra Nevada region was experiencing its fourth straight day of air quality issues. Air quality warnings were put in place throughout Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe, and some parts of western Nevada. The poor air quality could stretch as far west as the San Francisco Bay Area.

Authorities have dispatched about 2,000 firefighters to the scene. However, the high temperature readings and low humidity are making it difficult for crews to get a handle on the inferno. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, over 90% of Mariposa County is under the designation of an exceptional drought, the most severe category. Almost 100% of the county is under a designation of at least an extreme drought.

The rough terrain in this part of California also makes it more challenging for crews to access the area. The Cal Fire agency is leaning on the use of at least one dozen helicopters, 280 fire engines, and 46 water tenders to bring in large amounts of moisture.

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