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{{Short description|2018 wildfire in Central California}}
{{Infobox wildfire
{{Infobox wildfire
| title = Ferguson Fire
| title = Ferguson Fire
| image = Ferguson Fire July 14.jpg
| image = Ferguson Fire July 14.jpg
| caption = The Ferguson Fire on July 14, 2018
| caption = The Ferguson Fire on July 14, 2018
⚫
| reference = <ref name="InciWeb">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Information - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5927/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=US Forest Service |date=19 September 2018 |access-date=2 October 2018 |language=en |archive-date=10 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010040130/https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5927/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
⚫
| cost =
| injuries = 19
⚫
| fatalities = 2
⚫
| reference = <ref name="InciWeb">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Information - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5927/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=US Forest Service |accessdate=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref>
<!-- ONLY FOR INDIVIDUAL FIRES -->
<!-- ONLY FOR INDIVIDUAL FIRES -->
| date = {{Start date|2018|7|13}} – {{End date}}
| date = {{Unbulleted list|{{Start date|2018|07|13}} – |{{End date|2018|08|19}}}}
| location = [[Sierra National Forest]], [[Stanislaus National Forest]] and [[Yosemite National Park]], [[California]], [[United States]]
| location = [[Sierra National Forest]], [[Stanislaus National Forest]] and [[Yosemite National Park]], [[California]], [[United States]]
| coordinates = {{coord|37.652|-119.881|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|37.652|-119.881|display=inline,title}}
| pushpin_map = USA California
| pushpin_map = USA California
| pushpin_map_caption = Location of fire in California
| pushpin_map_caption = Location of the fire in California
| cost = $171.2 million (2018 USD)<ref name="cost of fire">{{cite web|url=https://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article216981785.html|title=Ferguson Fire fully contained, cost of fire surpassed $100M|author=Ashleigh Panoo|publisher=The Fresno Bee|date=19 August 2018|access-date=29 August 2018}}</ref><ref name="LargeIncidentReport">{{cite web|url=https://gacc.nifc.gov/sacc/predictive/intelligence/NationalLargeIncidentYTDReport.pdf|title=2018 National Large Incident Year-to-Date Report|publisher=[[National Interagency Fire Center]]|date=August 28, 2018|access-date=August 30, 2018}}</ref><ref name="economic impact">{{cite web|url=https://www.outsideonline.com/2336386/economic-impact-ferguson-fire|title=The Economic Impact of Yosemite's Ferguson Fire|author=Wes Siler|publisher=Outside Online|date=17 August 2018|access-date=29 August 2018}}</ref>
| area = {{Convert|96,901|acre|km2|0}}
| area = {{Convert|96,901|acre|km2|0}}
| buildings = 10
| buildings = 10
| cause = Faulty vehicle [[catalytic converter]]<ref name="cause">{{cite web|url=https://www.uniondemocrat.com/localnews/6586144-151/feds-release-cause-of-ferguson-fire|title=Feds release cause of Ferguson Fire|author=Alex McLean|publisher=Union Democrat|date=October 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330021057/https://www.uniondemocrat.com/localnews/6586144-151/feds-release-cause-of-ferguson-fire|access-date=October 10, 2018|archive-date=2019-03-30}}</ref>
| cause = Unknown
| landuse = National forest
| landuse = National forest
⚫
| injuries = 19 firefighters
⚫
| fatalities = 2 firefighters
| perps =
| perps =
| motive =
| motive =
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|mark-title1=Ferguson Fire
|mark-title1=Ferguson Fire
}}
}}
The '''Ferguson Fire''' was a [[wildfire]] in the [[Sierra National Forest]], [[Stanislaus National Forest]] and [[Yosemite National Park]] in [[California]] in the United States. The fire was reported on July 13, 2018, burning {{Convert|96,901|acre|km2|0}}, before it was 100% contained on August 19, 2018. The fire, which burns mostly in inaccessible wildland areas of the national forest, has impacted recreational activities in the area, including in Yosemite National Park, where Yosemite Valley and Wawona were closed. Two firefighters have been killed and nineteen others have been injured in the fire. Interior areas continue to smolder and burn.
The '''Ferguson Fire''' was a major [[wildfire]] in the [[Sierra National Forest]], [[Stanislaus National Forest]] and [[Yosemite National Park]] in [[California]] in the United States. The fire was reported on July 13, 2018, burning {{Convert|96,901|acre|km2|0}}, before it was 100% contained on August 19, 2018. Interior areas of the fire continued to smolder and burn until September 19, 2018, when InciWeb declared the fire to be inactive.<ref name="InciWeb" /> The Ferguson Fire was caused by the superheated fragments of a faulty vehicle [[catalytic converter]] igniting vegetation.<ref name="cause" /> The fire, which burned mostly in inaccessible wildland areas of the national forest, impacted recreational activities in the area, including in Yosemite National Park, where [[Yosemite Valley]] and [[Wawona, California|Wawona]] were closed. The Ferguson Fire caused at least $171.2 million (2018 USD) in damages, with a suppression cost of $118.5 million and economic losses measuring $52.7 million.<ref name="cost of fire" /><ref name="LargeIncidentReport" /><ref name="economic impact" /> Two firefighters were killed and nineteen others were injured in the fire.


==Events==
==Progression==


===July===
===July===
The Ferguson Fire was first reported on July 13, 2018 around 8:30 PM in the Savage Trading Post area in the [[Sierra National Forest]] in California. Burning in an inaccessible area that is extremely steep and hazardous, the fire grew to {{Convert|4000|acre|km2|0}} by the morning of July 15. Crews focused on securing a fire line and protecting structures along [[California State Route 140|Highway 140]] and in Hite's Cove and Cedar Lodge.<ref name="InciWeb715AM">{{cite web |title=morning update July 15th 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/43994/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management, |accessdate=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> The first evacuations were put in place for communities of Jerseydale, Mariposa Pines and [[Yosemite West, California|Yosemite West]].<ref name="InciWeb715Closed">{{cite web |title=UPDATE ON EVACUATIONS 11:30 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/43995/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> By the evening, 108 structures were reported threatened, the fire was two percent contained and had grown {{Convert|300|acre|km2|0}}. Two more communities were put on evacuation, as well as additional road closures along Highway 140 and select roads in the forest.<ref name="InciWeb715PM">{{cite web |title=6PM Evening Update July 15, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44007/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=InciWeb developed and maintained by USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref>
The Ferguson Fire was first reported on July 13, 2018, around 8:30 PM PDT in the Savage Trading Post area, in the [[Sierra National Forest]] in California. Investigators determined that the Ferguson Fire started when the superheated fragments of a vehicle's catalytic converter lit vegetation on fire.<ref name="cause" /> Burning in an inaccessible area that was extremely steep and hazardous, the fire grew to {{Convert|4000|acre|km2|0}} by the morning of July 15. Crews focused on securing a fire line and protecting structures along [[California State Route 140|Highway 140]] and in [[Hites Cove, California|Hite's Cove]] and Cedar Lodge.<ref name="InciWeb715AM">{{cite web |title=morning update July 15th 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/43994/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> The first evacuations were put in place for communities of [[Jerseydale, California|Jerseydale]], Mariposa Pines and [[Yosemite West, California|Yosemite West]].<ref name="InciWeb715Closed">{{cite web |title=UPDATE ON EVACUATIONS 11:30 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/43995/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> By the evening, 108 structures were reported threatened, and the fire was two percent contained and had grown {{Convert|300|acre|km2|0}}. Two more communities were put on evacuation, as well as additional road closures along Highway 140 and select roads in the forest.<ref name="InciWeb715PM">{{cite web |title=6PM Evening Update July 15, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44007/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=InciWeb developed and maintained by USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref>


By the morning of July 16, the fire had grown to {{Convert|9266|acre|km2|0}}, with most of the fire growth being in the Nutmeg and Devils Gulch areas. New containment lines were put in place near Sweetwater Ridge, which was also placed under mandatory evacuation.<ref name="InciWeb716AM">{{cite web |title=7AM Morning Update July 16, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44011/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Electricity went out in eastern areas impacted by the fire, including portions of Yosemite National Park.<ref name="InciWeb717AM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire AM Update, July 17, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44036/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> A [[Red Cross]] shelter was opened at a church in Mariposa for evacuees.<ref name="InciWebPreEvac1">{{cite web |title=New Pre-evacuation Advisory Issued for Ferguson Fire - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44031/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> By the morning of July 17, the western entrance to Yosemite National Park was closed. Power was restored for a portion of fire impacted areas near the National Park.<ref name="InciWeb717AM"/>
By the morning of July 16, the fire had grown to {{Convert|9266|acre|km2|0}}, with most of the fire growth being in the Nutmeg and Devils Gulch areas. New containment lines were put in place near Sweetwater Ridge, which was also placed under mandatory evacuation.<ref name="InciWeb716AM">{{cite web |title=7AM Morning Update July 16, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44011/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Electricity went out in eastern areas impacted by the fire, including portions of Yosemite National Park.<ref name="InciWeb717AM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire AM Update, July 17, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44036/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> A [[Red Cross]] shelter was opened at a church in [[Mariposa, California|Mariposa]] for evacuees.<ref name="InciWebPreEvac1">{{cite web |title=New Pre-evacuation Advisory Issued for Ferguson Fire - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44031/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> By the morning of July 17, the western entrance to Yosemite National Park was closed. Power was restored for a portion of fire impacted areas near the National Park.<ref name="InciWeb717AM"/>


Low-level smoke hampered visibility on July 18, grounding aircraft fighting the fire while the fire grew southeasterly. Crews continued to build handlines off the southeast portion of the [[Merced River]] to protect Yosemite West and crews completed firelines west of Indian Flat to west of Cedar Lodge.<ref name="InciWeb718PM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire PM Update July 18, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44072/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> The next day, the fire moved towards Highway 140, Sweetwater Creek, Jerseydale, and Ferguson Ridge. Crews focused on improving indirect lines along Sweetwater Ridge and from Highway 140 southeast to Wawona Road.<ref name="IW719AM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire AM Update July 19, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44076/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> The fire continued to remain on the south side of the Merced River and mandatory evacuations were put in place for [[El Portal, California|El Portal]] Trailer Court.<ref name="IW719PM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson FIre PM Update July 19, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44102/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref>
Low-level smoke hampered visibility on July 18, grounding aircraft fighting the fire while the fire grew southeasterly. Crews continued to build handlines off the southeast portion of the [[Merced River]] to protect Yosemite West and crews completed firelines west of [[Incline, California|Indian Flat]] to west of Cedar Lodge.<ref name="InciWeb718PM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire PM Update July 18, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44072/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> The next day, the fire moved towards Highway 140, Sweetwater Creek, Jerseydale, and Ferguson Ridge. Crews focused on improving indirect lines along Sweetwater Ridge and from Highway 140 southeast to Wawona Road.<ref name="IW719AM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire AM Update July 19, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44076/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> The fire continued to remain on the south side of the [[Merced River]] and mandatory evacuations were put in place for [[El Portal, California|El Portal]] Trailer Court.<ref name="IW719PM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson FIre PM Update July 19, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44102/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref>


On July 20, the fire jumped the Merced River, creating two spot fires north of the river in the [[Stanislaus National Forest]] near Miller Gulch and Ned Gulch. The spot fires burned an estimated total of {{Convert|600|acre|km2|0}}. New mandatory evacuations were put in place for Rancheria Government Housing, Old El Portal, [[Foresta, California|Foresta]] and the Yosemite View Lodge.<ref name="InciWeb720PM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Evening Update July 20, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44136/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> A new evacuation center was opened at Yosemite Valley Elementary School in Yosemite National Park.<ref name="Evac720">{{cite web |title=Evacuation Order for Old El Portal, Rancheria Flat, Yosemite View Lodge - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44137/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref>
On July 20, the fire jumped the Merced River, creating two spot fires north of the river in the [[Stanislaus National Forest]] near Miller Gulch and Ned Gulch. The spot fires burned an estimated total of {{Convert|600|acre|km2|0}}. New mandatory evacuations were put in place for Rancheria Government Housing, Old El Portal, [[Foresta, California|Foresta]] and the Yosemite View Lodge.<ref name="InciWeb720PM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Evening Update July 20, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44136/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> A new evacuation center was opened at Yosemite Valley Elementary School in Yosemite National Park.<ref name="Evac720">{{cite web |title=Evacuation Order for Old El Portal, Rancheria Flat, Yosemite View Lodge - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44137/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref>


[[File:2018 07 21-15.54.08.560-CDT.jpg|thumb|[[Ryan Zinke]] visited the Ferguson Fire on July 21, 2018]]
[[File:2018 07 21-15.54.08.560-CDT.jpg|thumb|[[Ryan Zinke]] visited the Ferguson Fire on July 21, 2018]]
The fire continued to burn in Ned's Gulch overnight and into July 21. Air and ground crews made concerted efforts only to make minimal impact on the fire's growth, which was estimated at {{Convert|2000|acre|km2|0}} in this specific area.<ref name="InciWeb721AM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Morning Update for July 21, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44143/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> In the afternoon on July 21, U.S. Secretary of the Interior [[Ryan Zinke]] visited the fire.<ref name="ZinkeVisit">{{cite web |title=Secretary of the Interior, Ryan Zinke visited the Ferguson Fire - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44163/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Fire restrictions were put in place in the Sierra National Forest.<ref name="Restrict721">{{cite web |title=Fire Restrictions Begin July 21, 2018 on the Sierra National Forest - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44129/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> The community of Yosemite West was put back under mandatory evacuation and Anderson Valley was added to the mandatory evacuation list.<ref name="EvacYW721">{{cite web |title=MANDATORY EVACUATION FOR FERGUSON FIRE AREA - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44151/ |website=inciweb.nwcg.gov |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="AVEvac">{{cite web |title=Mandatory Evacuation for Anderson Valley - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44162/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref>
The fire continued to burn in Ned's Gulch overnight and into July 21. Air and ground crews made concerted efforts only to make minimal impact on the fire's growth, which was estimated at {{Convert|2000|acre|km2|0}} in this specific area.<ref name="InciWeb721AM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Morning Update for July 21, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44143/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> In the afternoon on July 21, [[United States Secretary of the Interior|U.S. Secretary of the Interior]] [[Ryan Zinke]] visited the fire.<ref name="ZinkeVisit">{{cite web |title=Secretary of the Interior, Ryan Zinke visited the Ferguson Fire - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44163/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Fire restrictions were put in place in the Sierra National Forest.<ref name="Restrict721">{{cite web |title=Fire Restrictions Begin July 21, 2018 on the Sierra National Forest - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44129/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> The community of Yosemite West was put back under mandatory evacuation and Anderson Valley was added to the mandatory evacuation list.<ref name="EvacYW721">{{cite web |title=MANDATORY EVACUATION FOR FERGUSON FIRE AREA - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44151/ |website=inciweb.nwcg.gov |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="AVEvac">{{cite web |title=Mandatory Evacuation for Anderson Valley - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44162/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=21 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref>


By the evening of July 21, the [[Inversion (meteorology)|inversion layer]] had lifted and the Ferguson Fire had grown over {{Convert|1900|acre|km2|0}}, mainly in the fire's northern region, north of Highway 140 near Ned's Gulch. The rugged terrain remained a challenge for fire crews both on foot and in the air, and little progress to contain the fire was made.<ref name="IW721PM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Evening Update for July 21, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44166/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management, |accessdate=22 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Two more firefighters suffered back injuries and were hospitalized.<ref name="SFGateJul21" /> Overnight, the fire continued to grow and containment progress was made in the Jerseydale area. Crews were called away from fighting a portion of the fire in the Stanislaus National Forest due to safety hazards.<ref name="IW722AM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Morning Update for July 22, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44170/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=22 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> The fire continued to grow by the end of the day on July 22 and Old Yosemite Road was placed under mandatory evacuation and closed.<ref name="IW722PM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Evening Update for July 22, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44199/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=23 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref>
By the evening of July 21, the [[Inversion (meteorology)|inversion layer]] had lifted and the Ferguson Fire had grown over {{Convert|1900|acre|km2|0}}, mainly in the fire's northern region, north of Highway 140 near Ned's Gulch. The rugged terrain remained a challenge for fire crews both on foot and in the air, and little progress to contain the fire was made.<ref name="IW721PM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Evening Update for July 21, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44166/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=22 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Two more firefighters suffered back injuries and were hospitalized.<ref name="SFGateJul21" /> Overnight, the fire continued to grow and containment progress was made in the Jerseydale area. Crews were called away from fighting a portion of the fire in the Stanislaus National Forest due to safety hazards.<ref name="IW722AM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Morning Update for July 22, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44170/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=22 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> The fire continued to grow by the end of the day on July 22 and Old Yosemite Road was placed under mandatory evacuation and closed.<ref name="IW722PM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Evening Update for July 22, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44199/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=23 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref>


The next morning, the fire was {{Convert|33743|acre|km2|0}} and was reported a thirteen percent contained with one structure being destroyed. Crews used hand and heavy equipment to build lines in Montgomery Gulch and areas of Eagle Peak and Buena Vista in the north, while the fire continued to burn in the [[Chowchilla Mountains]] in the south. Crews had success at protecting Jerseydale and mopping up began in that area. The fire was reported as being an estimated two miles from Yosemite National Park's boundary.<ref name="Update723AM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Morning Update for July 23, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44206/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=24 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{citation|title=Huge fire creeps closer to Yosemite despite containment progress|author=Michael Cabanatuan | date= July 23, 2018|newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle|url=https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/amp/Huge-fire-creeps-closer-to-Yosemite-despite-13097339.php}}</ref>
The next morning, the fire was {{Convert|33743|acre|km2|0}} and was reported a thirteen percent contained with one structure being destroyed. Crews used hand and heavy equipment to build lines in Montgomery Gulch and areas of Eagle Peak and Buena Vista in the north, while the fire continued to burn in the [[Chowchilla Mountains]] in the south. Crews had success at protecting Jerseydale and mopping up began in that area. The fire was reported as being an estimated two miles from Yosemite National Park's boundary.<ref name="Update723AM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Morning Update for July 23, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44206/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=24 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{citation|title=Huge fire creeps closer to Yosemite despite containment progress|author=Michael Cabanatuan | date= July 23, 2018|newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle|url=https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/amp/Huge-fire-creeps-closer-to-Yosemite-despite-13097339.php}}</ref>


On July 24, portions of Yosemite National Park were declared to close by noon on July 25, specifically [[Yosemite Valley]] and [[Wawona, California|Wawona]]. Park visitors and residents in the closed areas are being asked to leave and evacuated. [[Mariposa Grove]] has been closed.<ref name="NPSClose">{{cite web |title=Yosemite National Park announces Yosemite Valley and Wawona will close - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44283/ |website=inciweb.nwcg.gov |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=24 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> In the evening, evacuation orders for Mariposa Pines were lifted.<ref name="evac724lift">{{cite web |title=MANDATORY EVACUATION LIFTED FOR MARIPOSA PINES - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44303/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=25 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Firefighters had a productive day, with indirect containment lines being completed up Soapstone Ridge in the Stanislaus National Forest. Containment lines were also finalized from Jerseydale to Wawona Campground.<ref name="Update724PM">{{cite web |author1=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |title=Ferguson Fire Evening Fire Update for July 24, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44307/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=25 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref>
On July 24, portions of Yosemite National Park were declared to close by noon on July 25, specifically [[Yosemite Valley]] and [[Wawona, California|Wawona]]. Park visitors and residents in the closed areas are being asked to leave and evacuated. [[Mariposa Grove]] has been closed.<ref name="NPSClose">{{cite web |title=Yosemite National Park announces Yosemite Valley and Wawona will close - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44283/ |website=inciweb.nwcg.gov |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=24 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> In the evening, evacuation orders for Mariposa Pines were lifted.<ref name="evac724lift">{{cite web |title=MANDATORY EVACUATION LIFTED FOR MARIPOSA PINES - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44303/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=25 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Firefighters had a productive day, with indirect containment lines being completed up Soapstone Ridge in the Stanislaus National Forest. Containment lines were also finalized from Jerseydale to Wawona Campground.<ref name="Update724PM">{{cite web |author1=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |title=Ferguson Fire Evening Fire Update for July 24, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44307/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=25 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref>


Lushmeadows Estate was put under mandatory evacuation on July 25. Additional road closures were put in place in Wawona and Yosemite Falls.<ref name="Update725AM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Morning Update for July 25, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44309/ |website=inciweb.nwcg.gov |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=26 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Warm and dry weather during the afternoon caused the fire to grow {{Convert|3054|acre|km2|0}}. Small gusts of wind in the early morning caused small spot fires.<ref name="Update725PM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Evening Update for July 25, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44358/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=26 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref>
Lushmeadows Estate was put under mandatory evacuation on July 25. Additional road closures were put in place in Wawona and Yosemite Falls.<ref name="Update725AM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Morning Update for July 25, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44309/ |website=inciweb.nwcg.gov |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=26 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Warm and dry weather during the afternoon caused the fire to grow {{Convert|3054|acre|km2|0}}. Small gusts of wind in the early morning caused small spot fires.<ref name="Update725PM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Evening Update for July 25, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44358/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=26 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref>
[[File:2018 07 23-11.58.13.977-CDT.jpg|thumb|This Spring Valley [[Interagency hotshot crew|Hotshot]] was one of many firefighters brought in to fight the Ferguson Fire]]
[[File:2018 07 23-11.58.13.977-CDT.jpg|thumb|This Spring Valley [[Interagency hotshot crew|Hotshot]] was one of many firefighters brought in to fight the Ferguson Fire]]
In the early evening, evacuations were lifted for Jerseydale and Sweetwater Ridge Road.<ref name="Open725">{{cite web |title=Jerseydale and Sweetwater Ridge Road Evacuation Lifted - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44357/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=26 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Overnight, crews had worked to strengthen containment lines, especially near Magoon Creek, where crews focused on isolating the spread of a fire that had went over the containment line. A containment line was finished from Five Corners to Pilot Peak on the northside of the fire, as well as another finished around Wanona and the lines around El Porto were expanded.<ref name="Update726AM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire morning update for July 26, 2018 |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44371/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=26 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> In the evening, on July 26, additional vegetation was burned from containment lines to further protect El Portal and Yosemite West. A three-acre spot fire crossed the containment line near Jerseysdale and was quickly suppressed.<ref name="Update726PM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Evening Update for July 26, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44431/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=27 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref>
In the early evening, evacuations were lifted for Jerseydale and Sweetwater Ridge Road.<ref name="Open725">{{cite web |title=Jerseydale and Sweetwater Ridge Road Evacuation Lifted - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44357/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=26 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Overnight, crews had worked to strengthen containment lines, especially near Magoon Creek, where crews focused on isolating the spread of a fire that had gone over the containment line. A containment line was finished from Five Corners to Pilot Peak on the northside of the fire, as well as another finished around Wanona and the lines around El Porto were expanded.<ref name="Update726AM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire morning update for July 26, 2018 |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44371/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=26 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> In the evening, on July 26, additional vegetation was burned from containment lines to further protect El Portal and Yosemite West. A three-acre spot fire crossed the containment line near Jerseysdale and was quickly suppressed.<ref name="Update726PM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Evening Update for July 26, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44431/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=27 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref>


On Friday, July 27, Yosemite National Park announced that Yosemite Valley would reopen on August 3, with Wawona Road and Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias remaining closed.<ref name="Open727YNP">{{cite web |title=Yosemite National Park Announces Yosemite Valley to Reopen Aug. 3, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44492/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=28 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> That evening, almost 4,000 personnel continued to fight the fire, with containment growing to 29 percent due to favorable conditions. Hot spots were extinguished on the west side of the fire and on the east side, crews completed firing operations from Henness Ridge to the Merced River. Aircraft burned pockets of vegetation between containment lines and the fire's perimeter. Additionally, crews strengthened and linked containment lines between burn scars from the 2017 Empire and South Fork Fires. On the south side, additional containment line strengthening took place.<ref name="Update727PM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Evening Update for July 27, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44494/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=28 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> That night, evacuation orders for the Lushmeadows subdivision were lifted.<ref name="Lifted727PM">{{cite web |title=MANDATORY EVACUATION LIFTED or the Lushmeadows Subdivision - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44498/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=28 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> A small fire, the result of swirling winds, jumped the containment line about two miles southwest of El Portal along the fire's northeast perimeter. Overnight, fire crews focused on strengthening and extending containment lines. Crews worked the area from Henness Ridge southeast to Highway 41 to prepare it for a new containment line. On the northern area of the fire, crews strengthened the containment line to reduce fuel availability.<ref name="Update728AM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Morning Update for July 28, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44500/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=28 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref>
On Friday, July 27, Yosemite National Park announced that Yosemite Valley would reopen on August 3, with Wawona Road and Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias remaining closed.<ref name="Open727YNP">{{cite web |title=Yosemite National Park Announces Yosemite Valley to Reopen Aug. 3, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44492/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=28 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> That evening, almost 4,000 personnel continued to fight the fire, with containment growing to 29 percent due to favorable conditions. Hot spots were extinguished on the west side of the fire and on the east side, crews completed firing operations from Henness Ridge to the Merced River. Aircraft burned pockets of vegetation between containment lines and the fire's perimeter. Additionally, crews strengthened and linked containment lines between burn scars from the 2017 [[Empire Fire]] and South Fork Fire. On the south side, additional containment line strengthening took place.<ref name="Update727PM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Evening Update for July 27, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44494/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=28 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> That night, evacuation orders for the Lushmeadows subdivision were lifted.<ref name="Lifted727PM">{{cite web |title=MANDATORY EVACUATION LIFTED or the Lushmeadows Subdivision - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44498/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=28 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> A small fire, the result of swirling winds, jumped the containment line about two miles southwest of El Portal along the fire's northeast perimeter. Overnight, fire crews focused on strengthening and extending containment lines. Crews worked the area from Henness Ridge southeast to Highway 41 to prepare it for a new containment line. On the northern area of the fire, crews strengthened the containment line to reduce fuel availability.<ref name="Update728AM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Morning Update for July 28, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44500/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=28 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref>


On July 29, a second firefighter was killed when he was struck by a tree.<ref name="Update729PM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Evening Update for July 29, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44608/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=31 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref>
On July 29, a second firefighter was killed when he was struck by a tree.<ref name="Update729PM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Evening Update for July 29, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44608/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=31 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref>
The repopulation of Monte Vista and Vista Lago began when evacuation orders were lifted in the afternoon.<ref name="EvacLift7291">{{cite web |title=Monte Vista and Vista Lago Evacuation Lifted For Ferguson Fire Area - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44599/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=31 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Crews focused on mopping up hot spots and containing a small fire that started over the containment line near Eagle Peak.<ref name="Update729PM"/> Overnight, crews put out two spot fires around Roundtree Saddle and began tactical firing towards Chowchilla Mountain and Wawona Campground. Crews continued efforts to protect giant sequoias in the fire area and also focused on securing the southeast quadrant of the fire to stop it from spreading into Yosemite National Park. Specialists began evaluating the western side of the fire for repair and mitigation as a result of suppression efforts.<ref name="Update730AM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Morning Update for July 30, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44617/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=31 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Evacuation orders were lifted for the East Westfall Road area and the Highway 140 and Ponderosa Basin.<ref name="Repop730AM">{{cite web |title=East Westfall Road Area EVACUATION LIFTED FOR FERGUSON FIRE AREA - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44634/ |website=inciweb.nwcg.gov |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=31 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Repop7302">{{cite web |title=Ponderosa Basin and Highway 140 Corridor EVACUATION LIFTED - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44688/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=31 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Overnight, the fire's perimeter grew to within one mile of Wawona Campground. Containment lines around the southwest corner of Yosemite National Park total six miles. Crews continue to focus on containing a portion of the fire that went over the containment line near El Portal. The fire is in an area with excessive amounts of beetle-killed trees and is very hard to access. Fire retardant and water drops are were used in the meantime while ground crews explore other options for containment. Smoke visibility increased due to tactical firing.<ref name="Update731AM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Morning Update for July 31, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44696/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=31 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref>
The repopulation of Monte Vista and Vista Lago began when evacuation orders were lifted in the afternoon.<ref name="EvacLift7291">{{cite web |title=Monte Vista and Vista Lago Evacuation Lifted For Ferguson Fire Area - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44599/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=31 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Crews focused on mopping up hot spots and containing a small fire that started over the containment line near Eagle Peak.<ref name="Update729PM"/> Overnight, crews put out two spot fires around Roundtree Saddle and began tactical firing towards Chowchilla Mountain and Wawona Campground. Crews continued efforts to protect giant sequoias in the fire area and also focused on securing the southeast quadrant of the fire to stop it from spreading into Yosemite National Park. Specialists began evaluating the western side of the fire for repair and mitigation as a result of suppression efforts.<ref name="Update730AM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Morning Update for July 30, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44617/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=31 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Evacuation orders were lifted for the East Westfall Road area and the Highway 140 and Ponderosa Basin.<ref name="Repop730AM">{{cite web |title=East Westfall Road Area EVACUATION LIFTED FOR FERGUSON FIRE AREA - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44634/ |website=inciweb.nwcg.gov |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=31 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Repop7302">{{cite web |title=Ponderosa Basin and Highway 140 Corridor EVACUATION LIFTED - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44688/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=31 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Overnight, the fire's perimeter grew to within one mile of Wawona Campground. Containment lines around the southwest corner of Yosemite National Park total six miles. Crews continue to focus on containing a portion of the fire that went over the containment line near El Portal. The fire is in an area with excessive amounts of beetle-killed trees and is very hard to access. Fire retardant and water drops were used in the meantime while ground crews explore other options for containment. Smoke visibility increased due to tactical firing.<ref name="Update731AM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Morning Update for July 31, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44696/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=31 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref>


On the morning of July 31, Yosemite National Park stated that they would reopen the Yosemite Valley, Wawona Campground and sequoia groves on Sunday, August 5.<ref>{{citation|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|title=Parts of Yosemite won't reopen as planned. Ferguson fire closures will remain through Sunday|author=Mary Forgione|date=July 31, 2018|url=http://www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-yosemite-ferguson-fire-closures-extended-to-sunday-20180731-story.html}}</ref> Indirect fire lines were used to intercept the spot fire near El Portal and fire crews were sent to Foresta in case the fire moved northeastern. Air quality declined in the area due to firing operations.<ref name="Update731PM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Evening Update for July 31, 2018 |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44744/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=1 August 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Evacuation orders were lifted for the Ponderosa Basin Area and East Westfall Road.<ref name="Ponder731">{{cite web |title=Ponderosa Basin Area & East Westfall Rd Advisory Lifted for Ferguson Fire |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44746/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=1 August 2018 |language=en}}</ref> By the evening of July 31, the fire had burned {{Convert|58074|acre|km2|0}} and was 33 percent contained.<ref name="Update731PM"/>
On the morning of July 31, Yosemite National Park stated that they would reopen the Yosemite Valley, Wawona Campground and sequoia groves on Sunday, August 5.<ref>{{citation|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|title=Parts of Yosemite won't reopen as planned. Ferguson fire closures will remain through Sunday|author=Mary Forgione|date=July 31, 2018|url=http://www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-yosemite-ferguson-fire-closures-extended-to-sunday-20180731-story.html}}</ref> Indirect fire lines were used to intercept the spot fire near El Portal and fire crews were sent to Foresta in case the fire moved northeastern. Air quality declined in the area due to firing operations.<ref name="Update731PM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Evening Update for July 31, 2018 |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44744/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=1 August 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Evacuation orders were lifted for the Ponderosa Basin Area and East Westfall Road.<ref name="Ponder731">{{cite web |title=Ponderosa Basin Area & East Westfall Rd Advisory Lifted for Ferguson Fire |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44746/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=1 August 2018 |language=en |archive-date=1 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801225517/https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44746/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> By the evening of July 31, the fire had burned {{Convert|58074|acre|km2|0}} and was 33 percent contained.<ref name="Update731PM"/>


===August===
===August===
[[File:2018 08 05-23.34.19.164-CDT.jpg|thumb|Half Dome and Yosemite Valley in heavy smoke, August 5]]
[[File:2018 08 05-23.34.19.164-CDT.jpg|thumb|Half Dome and Yosemite Valley in heavy smoke, August 5]]
As the Ferguson Fire continued to burn into August, it had grown {{Convert|4809|acre|km2|0}} overnight into August 1 totaling {{Convert|62883|acre|km2|0}} at 39 percent containment. Tactical firing was focused around Highway 41 toward Wawona Campground, heading west from Crow Peak. Crews also focused on building containment lines around Merced Grove and the giant sequoias. The fire continued to spread southeast from El Portal, threatening Yosemite West. The fire was successfully slowed.<ref name="Update81AM">{{cite web |[email protected] |title=Ferguson Fire Morning Update for August 1, 2018 |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44750/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=1 August 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Select roads and trails in Groveland Ranger District in Stanislaus National Forest were closed due to the fire's impacts.<ref name="SST">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Closes Stanislaus National Forest Groveland Ranger District Roads and Trails Due to Fire Danger |url=http://goldrushcam.com/sierrasuntimes/index.php/news/local-news/14965-ferguson-fire-closes-stanislaus-national-forest-groveland-ranger-district-roads-and-trails-due-to-fire-danger |website=Sierra Sun Times |accessdate=1 August 2018 |language=en-gb}}</ref> Two more firefighters were injured, totaling 11 in the Ferguson Fire. Wawona was evacuated out of concern of the fire expanding further into the area.<ref name="Granda">{{cite web |last1=Granda |first1=Nathalie |title=Fire crews making slow progress towards stopping Ferguson Fire |url=http://abc30.com/fire-crews-making-slow-progress-towards-stopping-ferguson-fire/3864890/ |website=ABC30 Fresno |accessdate=2 August 2018 |date=2 August 2018}}</ref> Evacuation orders were lifted for El Portal Trailer Court.<ref name="SST2">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Evacuation Order Lifted for El Portal Trailer Court in Mariposa County on Wednesday, August 1, 2018 |url=http://goldrushcam.com/sierrasuntimes/index.php/news/local-news/14979-ferguson-fire-evacuation-order-lifted-for-el-portal-trailer-court-in-mariposa-county-on-wednesday-august-1-2018 |website=Sierra Sun Times |accessdate=2 August 2018 |language=en-gb}}</ref>
As the Ferguson Fire continued to burn into August, it had grown {{Convert|4809|acre|km2|0}} overnight into August 1 totaling {{Convert|62883|acre|km2|0}} at 39 percent containment. Tactical firing was focused around Highway 41 toward Wawona Campground, heading west from Crow Peak. Crews also focused on building containment lines around Merced Grove and the giant sequoias. The fire continued to spread southeast from El Portal, threatening Yosemite West. The fire was successfully slowed.<ref name="Update81AM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Morning Update for August 1, 2018 |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44750/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=1 August 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Select roads and trails in Groveland Ranger District in Stanislaus National Forest were closed due to the fire's impacts.<ref name="SST">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Closes Stanislaus National Forest Groveland Ranger District Roads and Trails Due to Fire Danger |url=http://goldrushcam.com/sierrasuntimes/index.php/news/local-news/14965-ferguson-fire-closes-stanislaus-national-forest-groveland-ranger-district-roads-and-trails-due-to-fire-danger |website=Sierra Sun Times |date=August 2018 |access-date=1 August 2018 |language=en-gb}}</ref> Two more firefighters were injured, totaling 11 in the Ferguson Fire. Wawona was evacuated out of concern of the fire expanding further into the area.<ref name="Granda">{{cite web |last1=Granda |first1=Nathalie |title=Fire crews making slow progress towards stopping Ferguson Fire |url=http://abc30.com/fire-crews-making-slow-progress-towards-stopping-ferguson-fire/3864890/ |website=ABC30 Fresno |access-date=2 August 2018 |date=2 August 2018}}</ref> Evacuation orders were lifted for El Portal Trailer Court.<ref name="SST2">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Evacuation Order Lifted for El Portal Trailer Court in Mariposa County on Wednesday, August 1, 2018 |url=http://goldrushcam.com/sierrasuntimes/index.php/news/local-news/14979-ferguson-fire-evacuation-order-lifted-for-el-portal-trailer-court-in-mariposa-county-on-wednesday-august-1-2018 |website=Sierra Sun Times |date=August 2018 |access-date=2 August 2018 |language=en-gb}}</ref>


Overnight, spot fires were contained near Wawona as the fire grew {{Convert|5727|acre|km2|0}}. Another spot fire appeared on the north end of the fire, which resulted in the closure of Highway 120 (Big Oak Flat Road) due to smoke and fire crew congestion. This made the only entrance into Yosemite National Park Crane Flat to Lee Vining (Highway 120).<ref name="Guy">{{cite web |last1=Guy |first1=Jim |title=Ferguson Fire jumps to 68,610 acres, burns 5,727 acres overnight |url=https://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article215970295.html |website=Fresno Bee |accessdate=2 August 2018 |language=en}}</ref> By the evening of August 6, the fire burned {{convert|94331|acre|km2|0}} and was 39 percent contained.<ref name="InciWeb" />
Overnight, spot fires were contained near Wawona as the fire grew {{Convert|5727|acre|km2|0}}. Another spot fire appeared on the north end of the fire, which resulted in the closure of Highway 120 (Big Oak Flat Road) due to smoke and fire crew congestion. This made the only entrance into Yosemite National Park Crane Flat to Lee Vining (Highway 120).<ref name="Guy">{{cite web |last1=Guy |first1=Jim |title=Ferguson Fire jumps to 68,610 acres, burns 5,727 acres overnight |url=https://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article215970295.html |website=Fresno Bee |access-date=2 August 2018 |language=en}}</ref> By the evening of August 6, the fire burned {{convert|94331|acre|km2|0}} and was 39 percent contained.<ref name="InciWeb" />


On August 19, the fire was declared to be 100% contained, after having grown to {{convert|96,901|acres|km2}}. Interior areas continue to ignite during the heat on the day, but are not a threat to the containment lines.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Update for August 19, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System|url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/45757/|website=inciweb.nwcg.gov |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=19 August 2018 |language=en}}</ref>
On August 19, the fire was declared to be 100% contained, after having grown to {{convert|96,901|acres|km2}}. Interior areas continued to ignite during the heat of the day, but did not pose a threat to the containment lines.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Update for August 19, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System|url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/45757/|website=inciweb.nwcg.gov |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=19 August 2018 |language=en}}</ref>


==Impact==
===September===
Throughout the first half of September, hotspots continued to smolder within the Ferguson Fire's perimeter. On September 19, 2018, InciWeb declared the Ferguson Fire to be inactive, after a lack of fire activity was detected within the containment lines.<ref name="InciWeb" />


==Effects==
⚫
The Ferguson Fire has impacted areas of tourism and recreation in the Sierra National Forest and Yosemite National Park, specifically Yosemite Valley, Wawona and the [[giant sequoia]] groves of Mariposa and Merced. Additionally, residential areas were impacted throughout the region.

⚫
The Ferguson Fire impacted areas of tourism and recreation in the Sierra National Forest and Yosemite National Park, specifically Yosemite Valley, Wawona and the [[giant sequoia]] groves of Mariposa and Merced. Additionally, residential areas were impacted throughout the region.


===Evacuations===
===Evacuations===
[[File:2018 07 18-13.05.28.761-CDT.jpg|thumb|Cedar Lodge was evacuated due to the Ferguson Fire]]
[[File:2018 07 18-13.05.28.761-CDT.jpg|thumb|Cedar Lodge was evacuated due to the Ferguson Fire]]


The Red Cross at Mariposa Elementary School serves as an evacuation center.<ref name="Update729PM"/>
The Red Cross at Mariposa Elementary School served as an evacuation center.<ref name="Update729PM"/>


As of August 1, the following areas were under evacuation orders:<ref name="InciWeb" /><ref name="Granda" />
As of August 1, the following areas were under evacuation orders:<ref name="InciWeb" /><ref name="Granda" />
Line 104: Line 108:


===Closures===
===Closures===
[[File:2018 08 01-10.41.33.854-CDT.jpg|thumb|Access to Yosemite National Forest was halted due to the fire.]]
[[File:2018 08 01-10.41.33.854-CDT.jpg|thumb|Access to Yosemite National Park was halted due to the fire.]]
As of August 1, the following roads were closed:<ref name="InciWeb" />
As of August 1, the following roads were closed:<ref name="InciWeb" />
* Anderson Valley Road
* Anderson Valley Road
Line 117: Line 121:
*Mariposa Grove
*Mariposa Grove


As of August 19, the roads has been reopened, with the exception of Wawona Road. The Wawona road is scheduled to be reopened on August 24.
As of August 19, the roads had been reopened, with the exception of Wawona Road, scheduled to reopen on August 24.


===Recreation===
===Recreation===


The Ferguson Fire seriously impacted the recreational areas of the Sierra National Forest, Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite National Forest.
The Ferguson Fire seriously impacted the recreational areas of the Sierra National Forest, Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite National Forest.


Yosemite Valley was closed on July 25 due to smoke impacts and to allow for firefighting operations on El Portal Road and Wawona Road. Additional closures included Glacier Point Road, Bridalveil Creek Campground, Wawona Campground and the Merced Grove of Giant Sequoias.<ref name="Open727YNP"/> In August, specific trails and roads in the Groveland Ranger District of Stanislaus National Forest were closed due to anticipated long-term fire impacts.<ref name="SST" />
Yosemite Valley was closed on July 25 due to smoke impacts and to allow for firefighting operations on El Portal Road and Wawona Road. Additional closures included Glacier Point Road, Bridalveil Creek Campground, Wawona Campground and the Merced Grove of Giant Sequoias.<ref name="Open727YNP"/> In August, specific trails and roads in the Groveland Ranger District of Stanislaus National Forest were closed due to anticipated long-term fire impacts.<ref name="SST" />
Line 127: Line 131:
===Historic structures===
===Historic structures===
[[File:2018 07 23-19.03.42.210-CDT.jpg|thumb|Signal Peak Lookout wrapped for structure protection during the Ferguson Fire]]
[[File:2018 07 23-19.03.42.210-CDT.jpg|thumb|Signal Peak Lookout wrapped for structure protection during the Ferguson Fire]]
The Ferguson Fire threatens three [[lookout tower]]s: [[Henness Ridge Fire Lookout|Henness Ridge]], [[Signal Peak Fire Lookout|Signal Peak]], and [[Trumbull Peak Lookout]]. All three are on the [[National Historic Lookout Register]].<ref name="Lookouts">{{cite web |title=Fire Lookouts of the Ferguson Fire - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44239/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=24 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref>
The Ferguson Fire threatened three [[lookout tower]]s: [[Henness Ridge Fire Lookout|Henness Ridge]], [[Signal Peak Fire Lookout|Signal Peak]], and [[Trumbull Peak Lookout]]. All three are on the [[National Historic Lookout Register]].<ref name="Lookouts">{{cite web |title=Fire Lookouts of the Ferguson Fire - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44239/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=24 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref>


==Fatalities==
==Fatalities==


A bulldozer operator from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Braden Varney, died when his vehicle rolled down a ravine.<ref name="InciWeb715AM"/><ref name="SFGateJul21">{{cite web |title=2 more firefighters injured as Ferguson Fire continues to grow |url=https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/2-more-firefighters-injured-as-Ferguson-Fire-13093987.php |website=SFGate |accessdate=22 July 2018 |date=22 July 2018}}</ref> A second firefighter, Brian Hughes died on July 29. Hughes, captain of the [[Interagency hotshot crew|Arrowhead Interagency Hotshots]], was killed when he was struck by a tree.<ref name="SecondDeath">{{cite web |title=Second firefighter killed fighting Ferguson Fire, officials confirm
A bulldozer operator from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Braden Varney, died when his vehicle rolled down a ravine.<ref name="InciWeb715AM"/><ref name="SFGateJul21">{{cite web |title=2 more firefighters injured as Ferguson Fire continues to grow |url=https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/2-more-firefighters-injured-as-Ferguson-Fire-13093987.php |website=SFGate |access-date=22 July 2018 |date=22 July 2018}}</ref> A second firefighter, Brian Hughes, died on July 29. Hughes, captain of the [[Interagency hotshot crew|Arrowhead Interagency Hotshots]], was killed when he was struck by a tree.<ref name="SecondDeath">{{cite web |title=Second firefighter killed fighting Ferguson Fire, officials confirm
|url=https://www.fresnobee.com/latest-news/article215731215.html|website=Fresno Bee|accessdate=29 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Update729PM"/>
|url=https://www.fresnobee.com/latest-news/article215731215.html|website=Fresno Bee|access-date=29 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Update729PM"/>


==Fire growth and containment progress==
==Fire growth and containment progress==
Line 165: Line 169:
|Jul 26||{{convert|44,223|acre|km2|abbr=values|0}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/photos/CASNF/2018-07-14-1535-FERGUSON-FIRE/related_files/pict20180626-204133-0.pdf |title=FERGUSON FIRE INCIDENT UPDATE|date=July 26, 2018|publisher=InciWeb}}</ref>||style="text-align: left;"|{{percentile|27|width=179|height=15|text-size=10|progress-done-colour=grey|progress-tbd-colour=red|text-colour=white}}
|Jul 26||{{convert|44,223|acre|km2|abbr=values|0}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/photos/CASNF/2018-07-14-1535-FERGUSON-FIRE/related_files/pict20180626-204133-0.pdf |title=FERGUSON FIRE INCIDENT UPDATE|date=July 26, 2018|publisher=InciWeb}}</ref>||style="text-align: left;"|{{percentile|27|width=179|height=15|text-size=10|progress-done-colour=grey|progress-tbd-colour=red|text-colour=white}}
|-
|-
|Jul 27||{{convert|46,675|acre|km2|abbr=values|0}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/photos/CASNF/2018-07-14-1535-FERGUSON-FIRE/related_files/pict20180627-211146-0.pdf |title=FERGUSON FIRE INCIDENT UPDATE|date=July 27, 2018|publisher=InciWeb}}</ref>||style="text-align: left;"|{{percentile|29|width=189|height=15|text-size=10|progress-done-colour=grey|progress-tbd-colour=red|text-colour=white}}
|Jul 27||{{convert|46,675|acre|km2|abbr=values|0}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/photos/CASNF/2018-07-14-1535-FERGUSON-FIRE/related_files/pict20180627-211146-0.pdf|title=FERGUSON FIRE INCIDENT UPDATE|date=July 27, 2018|publisher=InciWeb|access-date=2018-07-28|archive-date=2018-07-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728192446/https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/photos/CASNF/2018-07-14-1535-FERGUSON-FIRE/related_files/pict20180627-211146-0.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>||style="text-align: left;"|{{percentile|29|width=189|height=15|text-size=10|progress-done-colour=grey|progress-tbd-colour=red|text-colour=white}}
|-
|-
|Jul 28||{{convert|51671|acre|km2|abbr=values|0}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/photos/CASNF/2018-07-14-1535-FERGUSON-FIRE/related_files/pict20180628-210000-0.pdf |title=Ferguson Fire Update |date=July 28, 2018|publisher=InciWeb}}</ref>||style="text-align: left;"|{{percentile|30|width=209|height=15|text-size=10|progress-done-colour=grey|progress-tbd-colour=red|text-colour=white}}
|Jul 28||{{convert|51671|acre|km2|abbr=values|0}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/photos/CASNF/2018-07-14-1535-FERGUSON-FIRE/related_files/pict20180628-210000-0.pdf |title=Ferguson Fire Update |date=July 28, 2018|publisher=InciWeb}}</ref>||style="text-align: left;"|{{percentile|30|width=209|height=15|text-size=10|progress-done-colour=grey|progress-tbd-colour=red|text-colour=white}}
|-
|-
|Jul 29||{{convert|53646|acre|km2|abbr=values|0}}<ref name="Update729AM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Morning Update for July 29, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44560/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |accessdate=29 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref>||style="text-align: left;"|{{percentile|30|width=217|height=15|text-size=10|progress-done-colour=grey|progress-tbd-colour=red|text-colour=white}}
|Jul 29||{{convert|53646|acre|km2|abbr=values|0}}<ref name="Update729AM">{{cite web |title=Ferguson Fire Morning Update for July 29, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/44560/ |website=InciWeb |publisher=USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management |access-date=29 July 2018 |language=en}}</ref>||style="text-align: left;"|{{percentile|30|width=217|height=15|text-size=10|progress-done-colour=grey|progress-tbd-colour=red|text-colour=white}}
|-
|-
|Jul 30||{{convert|56659|acre|km2|abbr=values|0}}<ref name="Update730AM"/>||style="text-align: left;"|{{percentile|30|width=229|height=15|text-size=10|progress-done-colour=grey|progress-tbd-colour=red|text-colour=white}}
|Jul 30||{{convert|56659|acre|km2|abbr=values|0}}<ref name="Update730AM"/>||style="text-align: left;"|{{percentile|30|width=229|height=15|text-size=10|progress-done-colour=grey|progress-tbd-colour=red|text-colour=white}}
Line 179: Line 183:
|Aug 2||{{convert|68601|acre|km2|abbr=values|0|disp=x|&nbsp;(}})<ref name="Guy" />||style="text-align: left;"|{{percentile|39|width=278|height=15|text-size=10|progress-done-colour=grey|progress-tbd-colour=red|text-colour=white}}
|Aug 2||{{convert|68601|acre|km2|abbr=values|0|disp=x|&nbsp;(}})<ref name="Guy" />||style="text-align: left;"|{{percentile|39|width=278|height=15|text-size=10|progress-done-colour=grey|progress-tbd-colour=red|text-colour=white}}
|-
|-
|Aug 3||{{convert|77207|acre|km2|abbr=values|0|disp=x|&nbsp;(}})<ref> [https://abc30.com/amp/as-ferguson-fire-moves-into-yosemite-evacuations-ordered-for-yosemite-valley/3876895/ FERGUSON FIRE MOVES INTO YOSEMITE, JUMPS HIGHWAY 41], Nathalie Granda, August 03, 2018 (ABC 30)</ref>||style="text-align: left;"|{{percentile|41|width=312|height=15|text-size=10|progress-done-colour=grey|progress-tbd-colour=red|text-colour=white}}
|Aug 3||{{convert|77207|acre|km2|abbr=values|0|disp=x|&nbsp;(}})<ref>[https://abc30.com/amp/as-ferguson-fire-moves-into-yosemite-evacuations-ordered-for-yosemite-valley/3876895/ FERGUSON FIRE MOVES INTO YOSEMITE, JUMPS HIGHWAY 41], Nathalie Granda, August 03, 2018 (ABC 30)</ref>||style="text-align: left;"|{{percentile|41|width=312|height=15|text-size=10|progress-done-colour=grey|progress-tbd-colour=red|text-colour=white}}
|-
|-
|Aug 5||{{convert|89633|acre|km2|abbr=values|0|disp=x|&nbsp;(}})<ref>InciWeb August 5 morning update</ref>||style="text-align: left;"|{{percentile|39|width=363|height=15|text-size=10|progress-done-colour=grey|progress-tbd-colour=red|text-colour=white}}
|Aug 5||{{convert|89633|acre|km2|abbr=values|0|disp=x|&nbsp;(}})<ref>InciWeb August 5 morning update</ref>||style="text-align: left;"|{{percentile|39|width=363|height=15|text-size=10|progress-done-colour=grey|progress-tbd-colour=red|text-colour=white}}
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|Aug 6||{{convert|94331|acre|km2|abbr=values|0|disp=x|&nbsp;(}})<ref>InciWeb August 6 evening update</ref>||style="text-align: left;"|{{percentile|38|width=382|height=15|text-size=10|progress-done-colour=grey|progress-tbd-colour=red|text-colour=white}}
|Aug 6||{{convert|94331|acre|km2|abbr=values|0|disp=x|&nbsp;(}})<ref>InciWeb August 6 evening update</ref>||style="text-align: left;"|{{percentile|38|width=382|height=15|text-size=10|progress-done-colour=grey|progress-tbd-colour=red|text-colour=white}}
|-
|-
|Aug 8||{{convert|94992|acre|km2|abbr=values|0|disp=x|&nbsp;(}})<ref name=InciWeb0808>{{cite web |url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5927/ |title=Ferguson Fire Update for August 8, 2018|date=August 8, 2018|publisher=InciWeb}}</ref>||style="text-align: left;"|{{percentile|68|width=384|height=15|text-size=10|progress-done-colour=grey|progress-tbd-colour=red|text-colour=white}}
|Aug 8||{{convert|94992|acre|km2|abbr=values|0|disp=x|&nbsp;(}})<ref name=InciWeb0808>{{cite web|url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5927/|title=Ferguson Fire Update for August 8, 2018|date=August 8, 2018|publisher=InciWeb|access-date=July 21, 2018|archive-date=October 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181010040130/https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5927/|url-status=dead}}</ref>||style="text-align: left;"|{{percentile|68|width=384|height=15|text-size=10|progress-done-colour=grey|progress-tbd-colour=red|text-colour=white}}
|-
|-
|Aug 9||{{convert|95104|acre|km2|abbr=values|0|disp=x|&nbsp;(}})<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/45374/|title=Ferguson Fire Update for August 9, 2018 |date=August 9, 2018 |publisher=InciWeb |language=en|access-date=2018-08-10}}</ref>
|Aug 9||{{convert|95104|acre|km2|abbr=values|0|disp=x|&nbsp;(}})<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/45374/|title=Ferguson Fire Update for August 9, 2018 |date=August 9, 2018 |publisher=InciWeb |language=en|access-date=2018-08-10}}</ref>
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|-
|-
|Aug 10
|Aug 10
|95,544 (387)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/45530/|title=Ferguson Fire Evening Update for August 10, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System|[email protected]|first=InciWeb developed and maintained by USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management,|website=inciweb.nwcg.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-08-11}}</ref>
|95,544 (387)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/45530/|title=Ferguson Fire Evening Update for August 10, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System|website=inciweb.nwcg.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-08-11}}</ref>
|style="text-align: left;"|{{Percentile|82|height=15|progress-done-colour=grey|progress-tbd-colour=red|text-colour=white|text-size=10|width=387}}
|style="text-align: left;"|{{Percentile|82|height=15|progress-done-colour=grey|progress-tbd-colour=red|text-colour=white|text-size=10|width=387}}
|-
|-
|Aug 12
|Aug 12
|95,947 (388)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/45628/|title=Ferguson Fire Update August 12, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System|[email protected]|first=InciWeb developed and maintained by USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management,|website=inciweb.nwcg.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-08-13}}</ref>
|95,947 (388)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/45628/|title=Ferguson Fire Update August 12, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System|website=inciweb.nwcg.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-08-13}}</ref>
|style="text-align: left;"|{{Percentile|83|height=15|progress-done-colour=grey|progress-tbd-colour=red|text-colour=white|text-size=10|width=388}}
|style="text-align: left;"|{{Percentile|83|height=15|progress-done-colour=grey|progress-tbd-colour=red|text-colour=white|text-size=10|width=388}}
|-
|-
|Aug 13
|Aug 13
|96,457 (390)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/45670/|title=Ferguson Fire Morning Update for August 13, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System|[email protected]|first=InciWeb developed and maintained by USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management,|website=inciweb.nwcg.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-08-13}}</ref>
|96,457 (390)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/45670/|title=Ferguson Fire Morning Update for August 13, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System|website=inciweb.nwcg.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-08-13|archive-date=2018-08-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180814041628/https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/45670/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|style="text-align: left;"|{{Percentile|86|height=15|progress-done-colour=grey|progress-tbd-colour=red|text-colour=white|text-size=10|width=390}}
|style="text-align: left;"|{{Percentile|86|height=15|progress-done-colour=grey|progress-tbd-colour=red|text-colour=white|text-size=10|width=390}}
|-
|-
|Aug 15
|Aug 15
|96,810 (392)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/45757/|title=Ferguson Fire Update for August 15, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System|[email protected]|first=InciWeb developed and maintained by USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management,|website=inciweb.nwcg.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-08-16}}</ref>
|96,810 (392)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/45757/|title=Ferguson Fire Update for August 15, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System|website=inciweb.nwcg.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-08-16}}</ref>
|style="text-align: left;"|{{Percentile|87|height=15|progress-done-colour=grey|progress-tbd-colour=red|text-colour=white|text-size=10|width=392}}
|style="text-align: left;"|{{Percentile|87|height=15|progress-done-colour=grey|progress-tbd-colour=red|text-colour=white|text-size=10|width=392}}
|-
|-
|Aug 19
|Aug 19
|96,901 (392)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/45757/|title=Ferguson Fire Update for August 19, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System|[email protected]|first=InciWeb developed and maintained by USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management,|website=inciweb.nwcg.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-08-19}}</ref>
|96,901 (392)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5927/45757/|title=Ferguson Fire Update for August 19, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System|website=inciweb.nwcg.gov|language=en|access-date=2018-08-19}}</ref>
|style="text-align: left;"|{{Percentile|100|height=15|progress-done-colour=grey|progress-tbd-colour=red|text-colour=white|text-size=10|width=392}}
|style="text-align: left;"|{{Percentile|100|height=15|progress-done-colour=grey|progress-tbd-colour=red|text-colour=white|text-size=10|width=392}}
|}
|}
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==See also==
==See also==
* [[2018 California wildfires]]
* [[2018 California wildfires]]

==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
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[[Category:Sierra National Forest]]
[[Category:Sierra National Forest]]
[[Category:Yosemite National Park]]
[[Category:Yosemite National Park]]
[[Category:Wildfires in Mariposa County, California]]

Latest revision as of 19:18, 7 April 2024

Ferguson Fire
The Ferguson Fire on July 14, 2018
Date(s)
  • July 13, 2018 (2018-07-13) –
  • August 19, 2018 (2018-08-19)
LocationSierra National Forest, Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite National Park, California, United States
Coordinates37°39′07″N 119°52′52″W / 37.652°N 119.881°W / 37.652; -119.881
Statistics[1]
Burned area96,901 acres (392 km2)
Land useNational forest
Impacts
Deaths2 firefighters
Non-fatal injuries19 firefighters
Structures destroyed10
Damage$171.2 million (2018 USD)[2][3][4]
Ignition
CauseFaulty vehicle catalytic converter[5]
Map
Ferguson Fire is located in California
Ferguson Fire
Location of the fire in California
Map
About OpenStreetMaps
Maps: terms of use
150km
100miles
Ferguson Fire
Ferguson Fire
Location of Ferguson Fire

The Ferguson Fire was a major wildfire in the Sierra National Forest, Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite National Park in California in the United States. The fire was reported on July 13, 2018, burning 96,901 acres (392 km2), before it was 100% contained on August 19, 2018. Interior areas of the fire continued to smolder and burn until September 19, 2018, when InciWeb declared the fire to be inactive.[1] The Ferguson Fire was caused by the superheated fragments of a faulty vehicle catalytic converter igniting vegetation.[5] The fire, which burned mostly in inaccessible wildland areas of the national forest, impacted recreational activities in the area, including in Yosemite National Park, where Yosemite Valley and Wawona were closed. The Ferguson Fire caused at least $171.2 million (2018 USD) in damages, with a suppression cost of $118.5 million and economic losses measuring $52.7 million.[2][3][4] Two firefighters were killed and nineteen others were injured in the fire.

Progression

[edit]

July

[edit]

The Ferguson Fire was first reported on July 13, 2018, around 8:30 PM PDT in the Savage Trading Post area, in the Sierra National Forest in California. Investigators determined that the Ferguson Fire started when the superheated fragments of a vehicle's catalytic converter lit vegetation on fire.[5] Burning in an inaccessible area that was extremely steep and hazardous, the fire grew to 4,000 acres (16 km2) by the morning of July 15. Crews focused on securing a fire line and protecting structures along Highway 140 and in Hite's Cove and Cedar Lodge.[6] The first evacuations were put in place for communities of Jerseydale, Mariposa Pines and Yosemite West.[7] By the evening, 108 structures were reported threatened, and the fire was two percent contained and had grown 300 acres (1 km2). Two more communities were put on evacuation, as well as additional road closures along Highway 140 and select roads in the forest.[8]

By the morning of July 16, the fire had grown to 9,266 acres (37 km2), with most of the fire growth being in the Nutmeg and Devils Gulch areas. New containment lines were put in place near Sweetwater Ridge, which was also placed under mandatory evacuation.[9] Electricity went out in eastern areas impacted by the fire, including portions of Yosemite National Park.[10] A Red Cross shelter was opened at a church in Mariposa for evacuees.[11] By the morning of July 17, the western entrance to Yosemite National Park was closed. Power was restored for a portion of fire impacted areas near the National Park.[10]

Low-level smoke hampered visibility on July 18, grounding aircraft fighting the fire while the fire grew southeasterly. Crews continued to build handlines off the southeast portion of the Merced River to protect Yosemite West and crews completed firelines west of Indian Flat to west of Cedar Lodge.[12] The next day, the fire moved towards Highway 140, Sweetwater Creek, Jerseydale, and Ferguson Ridge. Crews focused on improving indirect lines along Sweetwater Ridge and from Highway 140 southeast to Wawona Road.[13] The fire continued to remain on the south side of the Merced River and mandatory evacuations were put in place for El Portal Trailer Court.[14]

On July 20, the fire jumped the Merced River, creating two spot fires north of the river in the Stanislaus National Forest near Miller Gulch and Ned Gulch. The spot fires burned an estimated total of 600 acres (2 km2). New mandatory evacuations were put in place for Rancheria Government Housing, Old El Portal, Foresta and the Yosemite View Lodge.[15] A new evacuation center was opened at Yosemite Valley Elementary School in Yosemite National Park.[16]

Ryan Zinke visited the Ferguson Fire on July 21, 2018

The fire continued to burn in Ned's Gulch overnight and into July 21. Air and ground crews made concerted efforts only to make minimal impact on the fire's growth, which was estimated at 2,000 acres (8 km2) in this specific area.[17] In the afternoon on July 21, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke visited the fire.[18] Fire restrictions were put in place in the Sierra National Forest.[19] The community of Yosemite West was put back under mandatory evacuation and Anderson Valley was added to the mandatory evacuation list.[20][21]

By the evening of July 21, the inversion layer had lifted and the Ferguson Fire had grown over 1,900 acres (8 km2), mainly in the fire's northern region, north of Highway 140 near Ned's Gulch. The rugged terrain remained a challenge for fire crews both on foot and in the air, and little progress to contain the fire was made.[22] Two more firefighters suffered back injuries and were hospitalized.[23] Overnight, the fire continued to grow and containment progress was made in the Jerseydale area. Crews were called away from fighting a portion of the fire in the Stanislaus National Forest due to safety hazards.[24] The fire continued to grow by the end of the day on July 22 and Old Yosemite Road was placed under mandatory evacuation and closed.[25]

The next morning, the fire was 33,743 acres (137 km2) and was reported a thirteen percent contained with one structure being destroyed. Crews used hand and heavy equipment to build lines in Montgomery Gulch and areas of Eagle Peak and Buena Vista in the north, while the fire continued to burn in the Chowchilla Mountains in the south. Crews had success at protecting Jerseydale and mopping up began in that area. The fire was reported as being an estimated two miles from Yosemite National Park's boundary.[26][27]

On July 24, portions of Yosemite National Park were declared to close by noon on July 25, specifically Yosemite Valley and Wawona. Park visitors and residents in the closed areas are being asked to leave and evacuated. Mariposa Grove has been closed.[28] In the evening, evacuation orders for Mariposa Pines were lifted.[29] Firefighters had a productive day, with indirect containment lines being completed up Soapstone Ridge in the Stanislaus National Forest. Containment lines were also finalized from Jerseydale to Wawona Campground.[30]

Lushmeadows Estate was put under mandatory evacuation on July 25. Additional road closures were put in place in Wawona and Yosemite Falls.[31] Warm and dry weather during the afternoon caused the fire to grow 3,054 acres (12 km2). Small gusts of wind in the early morning caused small spot fires.[32]

This Spring Valley Hotshot was one of many firefighters brought in to fight the Ferguson Fire

In the early evening, evacuations were lifted for Jerseydale and Sweetwater Ridge Road.[33] Overnight, crews had worked to strengthen containment lines, especially near Magoon Creek, where crews focused on isolating the spread of a fire that had gone over the containment line. A containment line was finished from Five Corners to Pilot Peak on the northside of the fire, as well as another finished around Wanona and the lines around El Porto were expanded.[34] In the evening, on July 26, additional vegetation was burned from containment lines to further protect El Portal and Yosemite West. A three-acre spot fire crossed the containment line near Jerseysdale and was quickly suppressed.[35]

On Friday, July 27, Yosemite National Park announced that Yosemite Valley would reopen on August 3, with Wawona Road and Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias remaining closed.[36] That evening, almost 4,000 personnel continued to fight the fire, with containment growing to 29 percent due to favorable conditions. Hot spots were extinguished on the west side of the fire and on the east side, crews completed firing operations from Henness Ridge to the Merced River. Aircraft burned pockets of vegetation between containment lines and the fire's perimeter. Additionally, crews strengthened and linked containment lines between burn scars from the 2017 Empire Fire and South Fork Fire. On the south side, additional containment line strengthening took place.[37] That night, evacuation orders for the Lushmeadows subdivision were lifted.[38] A small fire, the result of swirling winds, jumped the containment line about two miles southwest of El Portal along the fire's northeast perimeter. Overnight, fire crews focused on strengthening and extending containment lines. Crews worked the area from Henness Ridge southeast to Highway 41 to prepare it for a new containment line. On the northern area of the fire, crews strengthened the containment line to reduce fuel availability.[39]

On July 29, a second firefighter was killed when he was struck by a tree.[40] The repopulation of Monte Vista and Vista Lago began when evacuation orders were lifted in the afternoon.[41] Crews focused on mopping up hot spots and containing a small fire that started over the containment line near Eagle Peak.[40] Overnight, crews put out two spot fires around Roundtree Saddle and began tactical firing towards Chowchilla Mountain and Wawona Campground. Crews continued efforts to protect giant sequoias in the fire area and also focused on securing the southeast quadrant of the fire to stop it from spreading into Yosemite National Park. Specialists began evaluating the western side of the fire for repair and mitigation as a result of suppression efforts.[42] Evacuation orders were lifted for the East Westfall Road area and the Highway 140 and Ponderosa Basin.[43][44] Overnight, the fire's perimeter grew to within one mile of Wawona Campground. Containment lines around the southwest corner of Yosemite National Park total six miles. Crews continue to focus on containing a portion of the fire that went over the containment line near El Portal. The fire is in an area with excessive amounts of beetle-killed trees and is very hard to access. Fire retardant and water drops were used in the meantime while ground crews explore other options for containment. Smoke visibility increased due to tactical firing.[45]

On the morning of July 31, Yosemite National Park stated that they would reopen the Yosemite Valley, Wawona Campground and sequoia groves on Sunday, August 5.[46] Indirect fire lines were used to intercept the spot fire near El Portal and fire crews were sent to Foresta in case the fire moved northeastern. Air quality declined in the area due to firing operations.[47] Evacuation orders were lifted for the Ponderosa Basin Area and East Westfall Road.[48] By the evening of July 31, the fire had burned 58,074 acres (235 km2) and was 33 percent contained.[47]

August

[edit]
Half Dome and Yosemite Valley in heavy smoke, August 5

As the Ferguson Fire continued to burn into August, it had grown 4,809 acres (19 km2) overnight into August 1 totaling 62,883 acres (254 km2) at 39 percent containment. Tactical firing was focused around Highway 41 toward Wawona Campground, heading west from Crow Peak. Crews also focused on building containment lines around Merced Grove and the giant sequoias. The fire continued to spread southeast from El Portal, threatening Yosemite West. The fire was successfully slowed.[49] Select roads and trails in Groveland Ranger District in Stanislaus National Forest were closed due to the fire's impacts.[50] Two more firefighters were injured, totaling 11 in the Ferguson Fire. Wawona was evacuated out of concern of the fire expanding further into the area.[51] Evacuation orders were lifted for El Portal Trailer Court.[52]

Overnight, spot fires were contained near Wawona as the fire grew 5,727 acres (23 km2). Another spot fire appeared on the north end of the fire, which resulted in the closure of Highway 120 (Big Oak Flat Road) due to smoke and fire crew congestion. This made the only entrance into Yosemite National Park Crane Flat to Lee Vining (Highway 120).[53] By the evening of August 6, the fire burned 94,331 acres (382 km2) and was 39 percent contained.[1]

On August 19, the fire was declared to be 100% contained, after having grown to 96,901 acres (392.14 km2). Interior areas continued to ignite during the heat of the day, but did not pose a threat to the containment lines.[54]

September

[edit]

Throughout the first half of September, hotspots continued to smolder within the Ferguson Fire's perimeter. On September 19, 2018, InciWeb declared the Ferguson Fire to be inactive, after a lack of fire activity was detected within the containment lines.[1]

Effects

[edit]

The Ferguson Fire impacted areas of tourism and recreation in the Sierra National Forest and Yosemite National Park, specifically Yosemite Valley, Wawona and the giant sequoia groves of Mariposa and Merced. Additionally, residential areas were impacted throughout the region.

Evacuations

[edit]
Cedar Lodge was evacuated due to the Ferguson Fire

The Red Cross at Mariposa Elementary School served as an evacuation center.[40]

As of August 1, the following areas were under evacuation orders:[1][51]

  • Anderson Valley
  • River Road from Briceburg to last BLM Campground
  • Foresta
  • Old El Portal
  • Old Yosemite Road
  • Wawona
  • Yosemite View Lodge
  • Yosemite West

As of August 14, all evacuation order has been lifted and the areas reopened.

Closures

[edit]
Access to Yosemite National Park was halted due to the fire.

As of August 1, the following roads were closed:[1]

  • Anderson Valley Road
  • Foresta Road
  • River Road from Briceburg to the gate at Railroad Flat and all campground areas along 140
  • Summit Road
  • Old Yosemite Road
  • Wawona Road (Highway 41) between Chilnualna Falls in Wawona and Bridalveil Road in Yosemite Valley

Additional closures include:

  • Yosemite National Park's Yosemite Valley[36] and Wawona
  • Mariposa Grove

As of August 19, the roads had been reopened, with the exception of Wawona Road, scheduled to reopen on August 24.

Recreation

[edit]

The Ferguson Fire seriously impacted the recreational areas of the Sierra National Forest, Stanislaus National Forest and Yosemite National Forest.

Yosemite Valley was closed on July 25 due to smoke impacts and to allow for firefighting operations on El Portal Road and Wawona Road. Additional closures included Glacier Point Road, Bridalveil Creek Campground, Wawona Campground and the Merced Grove of Giant Sequoias.[36] In August, specific trails and roads in the Groveland Ranger District of Stanislaus National Forest were closed due to anticipated long-term fire impacts.[50]

Historic structures

[edit]
Signal Peak Lookout wrapped for structure protection during the Ferguson Fire

The Ferguson Fire threatened three lookout towers: Henness Ridge, Signal Peak, and Trumbull Peak Lookout. All three are on the National Historic Lookout Register.[55]

Fatalities

[edit]

A bulldozer operator from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, Braden Varney, died when his vehicle rolled down a ravine.[6][23] A second firefighter, Brian Hughes, died on July 29. Hughes, captain of the Arrowhead Interagency Hotshots, was killed when he was struck by a tree.[56][40]

Fire growth and containment progress

[edit]
Fire containment status[57]
Gray: contained; Red: active; %: percent contained;
Date Area burned
acres (km2)		 Containment
Jul 15 4,310 (17)[58]
2%
Jul 16 9,266 (37)[59]
2%
Jul 17 13,082 (53)[60]
5%
Jul 18 17,319 (70)[61]
5%
Jul 19 21,541 (87)[62]
7%
Jul 20 24,450 (99)[63]
7%
Jul 21 29,045 (118)[64]
6%
Jul 22 32,484 (131)[65]
6%
Jul 23 36,102 (146)[65]
16%
Jul 24 37,795 (153)[66]
16%
Jul 25 41,576 (168)[67]
26%
Jul 26 44,223 (179)[68]
27%
Jul 27 46,675 (189)[69]
29%
Jul 28 51,671 (209)[70]
30%
Jul 29 53,646 (217)[71]
30%
Jul 30 56,659 (229)[42]
30%
Jul 31 57,856 (234)[45]
33%
Aug 1 63,798 (258)[1]
39%
Aug 2 68,601 (278)[53]
39%
Aug 3 77,207 (312)[72]
41%
Aug 5 89,633 (363)[73]
39%
Aug 6 94,331 (382)[74]
38%
Aug 8 94,992 (384)[75]
68%
Aug 9 95,104 (385)[76]
79%
Aug 10 95,544 (387)[77]
82%
Aug 12 95,947 (388)[78]
83%
Aug 13 96,457 (390)[79]
86%
Aug 15 96,810 (392)[80]
87%
Aug 19 96,901 (392)[81]
100%

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Ferguson Fire Information - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. US Forest Service. 19 September 2018. Archived from the original on 10 October 2018. Retrieved 2 October 2018.
  2. ^ a b Ashleigh Panoo (19 August 2018). "Ferguson Fire fully contained, cost of fire surpassed $100M". The Fresno Bee. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  3. ^ a b "2018 National Large Incident Year-to-Date Report" (PDF). National Interagency Fire Center. August 28, 2018. Retrieved August 30, 2018.
  4. ^ a b Wes Siler (17 August 2018). "The Economic Impact of Yosemite's Ferguson Fire". Outside Online. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  5. ^ a b c Alex McLean (October 9, 2018). "Feds release cause of Ferguson Fire". Union Democrat. Archived from the original on 2019-03-30. Retrieved October 10, 2018.
  6. ^ a b "morning update July 15th 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  7. ^ "UPDATE ON EVACUATIONS 11:30 - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  8. ^ "6PM Evening Update July 15, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. InciWeb developed and maintained by USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  9. ^ "7AM Morning Update July 16, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  10. ^ a b "Ferguson Fire AM Update, July 17, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  11. ^ "New Pre-evacuation Advisory Issued for Ferguson Fire - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  12. ^ "Ferguson Fire PM Update July 18, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  13. ^ "Ferguson Fire AM Update July 19, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  14. ^ "Ferguson FIre PM Update July 19, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  15. ^ "Ferguson Fire Evening Update July 20, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  16. ^ "Evacuation Order for Old El Portal, Rancheria Flat, Yosemite View Lodge - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  17. ^ "Ferguson Fire Morning Update for July 21, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  18. ^ "Secretary of the Interior, Ryan Zinke visited the Ferguson Fire - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  19. ^ "Fire Restrictions Begin July 21, 2018 on the Sierra National Forest - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  20. ^ "MANDATORY EVACUATION FOR FERGUSON FIRE AREA - InciWeb the Incident Information System". inciweb.nwcg.gov. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  21. ^ "Mandatory Evacuation for Anderson Valley - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  22. ^ "Ferguson Fire Evening Update for July 21, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 22 July 2018.
  23. ^ a b "2 more firefighters injured as Ferguson Fire continues to grow". SFGate. 22 July 2018. Retrieved 22 July 2018.
  24. ^ "Ferguson Fire Morning Update for July 22, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 22 July 2018.
  25. ^ "Ferguson Fire Evening Update for July 22, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 23 July 2018.
  26. ^ "Ferguson Fire Morning Update for July 23, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 24 July 2018.
  27. ^ Michael Cabanatuan (July 23, 2018), "Huge fire creeps closer to Yosemite despite containment progress", San Francisco Chronicle
  28. ^ "Yosemite National Park announces Yosemite Valley and Wawona will close - InciWeb the Incident Information System". inciweb.nwcg.gov. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 24 July 2018.
  29. ^ "MANDATORY EVACUATION LIFTED FOR MARIPOSA PINES - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 25 July 2018.
  30. ^ USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. "Ferguson Fire Evening Fire Update for July 24, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 25 July 2018.
  31. ^ "Ferguson Fire Morning Update for July 25, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System". inciweb.nwcg.gov. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 26 July 2018.
  32. ^ "Ferguson Fire Evening Update for July 25, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 26 July 2018.
  33. ^ "Jerseydale and Sweetwater Ridge Road Evacuation Lifted - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 26 July 2018.
  34. ^ "Ferguson Fire morning update for July 26, 2018". InciWeb. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 26 July 2018.
  35. ^ "Ferguson Fire Evening Update for July 26, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 27 July 2018.
  36. ^ a b c "Yosemite National Park Announces Yosemite Valley to Reopen Aug. 3, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 28 July 2018.
  37. ^ "Ferguson Fire Evening Update for July 27, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 28 July 2018.
  38. ^ "MANDATORY EVACUATION LIFTED or the Lushmeadows Subdivision - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 28 July 2018.
  39. ^ "Ferguson Fire Morning Update for July 28, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 28 July 2018.
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  41. ^ "Monte Vista and Vista Lago Evacuation Lifted For Ferguson Fire Area - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
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  43. ^ "East Westfall Road Area EVACUATION LIFTED FOR FERGUSON FIRE AREA - InciWeb the Incident Information System". inciweb.nwcg.gov. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
  44. ^ "Ponderosa Basin and Highway 140 Corridor EVACUATION LIFTED - InciWeb the Incident Information System". InciWeb. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 31 July 2018.
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  46. ^ Mary Forgione (July 31, 2018), "Parts of Yosemite won't reopen as planned. Ferguson fire closures will remain through Sunday", Los Angeles Times
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  48. ^ "Ponderosa Basin Area & East Westfall Rd Advisory Lifted for Ferguson Fire". InciWeb. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Archived from the original on 1 August 2018. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  49. ^ "Ferguson Fire Morning Update for August 1, 2018". InciWeb. USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  50. ^ a b "Ferguson Fire Closes Stanislaus National Forest Groveland Ranger District Roads and Trails Due to Fire Danger". Sierra Sun Times. August 2018. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  51. ^ a b Granda, Nathalie (2 August 2018). "Fire crews making slow progress towards stopping Ferguson Fire". ABC30 Fresno. Retrieved 2 August 2018.
  52. ^ "Ferguson Fire Evacuation Order Lifted for El Portal Trailer Court in Mariposa County on Wednesday, August 1, 2018". Sierra Sun Times. August 2018. Retrieved 2 August 2018.
  53. ^ a b Guy, Jim. "Ferguson Fire jumps to 68,610 acres, burns 5,727 acres overnight". Fresno Bee. Retrieved 2 August 2018.
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  72. ^ FERGUSON FIRE MOVES INTO YOSEMITE, JUMPS HIGHWAY 41, Nathalie Granda, August 03, 2018 (ABC 30)
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  81. ^ "Ferguson Fire Update for August 19, 2018 - InciWeb the Incident Information System". inciweb.nwcg.gov. Retrieved 2018-08-19.

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