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Slope fire: (37 54.572 x 119 40.924; 6900’ el., Tuolumne Co). This fire is now at approximately 360 acres. It remains a ground fire with a moderate rate of spread and isolated spotting. The most active part of the fire is to the east, and southeast. A backline burning operation was conducted on the west side of the fire. This is done to reduce heat on crews holding the perimeter line and lessen chances for the fire spotting across control lines. It eliminates fuel between the line and the active fire. The park helicopter will be conducting water drops on the parts of the fire line inaccessible to firefighters on the ground. Combined with sparse vegetation on steep slopes and coinciding with favorable smoke dispersion and air quality the “firing” operation is all the more successful in transporting the smoke out of the area. The success of this operation is dependent on the fire spread, behavior and current activity. Smoke is visible along Tioga Rd, O’Shaughnessy Dam of the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, Rancheria trail area and in the Tuolumne Meadows area. The mixed conifer forest is on a north aspect, with cedar and white fir trees, down tree limbs and compacted short needles as the predominate vegetation.

There are numerous trails in the area and all remain open. “Fire near the Trail” warnings signs are in place, and hikers are encouraged to heed the warning signs. The Harden lake area and the trial to Pate Valley from Harden Lake are closed. The White Wolf trailhead to Pate Valley and Lukens Lake remain open. The trail closure is in effect today August 5, 2010. Wilderness rangers and fire information personnel will in the area to help direct hikers and backpackers.