The Big Meadow fire, which was planned to be a 90-acre prescribed fire, has fire lines around about 80% of the perimeter but continues to spread on the north side where it has crossed Big Oak Flat Road and is within one to two miles of Tioga Road. Officially, as of 1:00 p.m. PT, August 30 it has burned 4,382 acres and is 50% contained.
This map of the Big Meadow fire was updated at 6 a.m. this morning.
It is interesting to see the completed dozer line, designated by the xxxxxx. It is unusual to use dozers in National Parks, but I am sure the National Park Service feels a great deal of pressure to put out this escaped prescribed fire and minimize the acres burned outside the park boundary.
A 10 a.m. news release from the park had this information:
Yesterday, firefighters made good progress improving fire lines east of El Portal. The active portion of the fire is in the north and northwest flanks away from Foresta and El Portal. Today, the highest priority continues to be improving fire lines east of El Portal and structure protection in Foresta. Firefighters are aided by 11 water dropping helicopters and six air tankers. Control difficulties continue to be hot weather, low humidity, and steep terrain.
