Where's the smoke coming from? Fire near Yosemite sending smoke to Carson City

The Washburn fire currently estimated at 250 acres of 10:38 a.m. Friday is sending up smoke up to Carson City and Douglas County.

The fire started on Thursday in Mariposa Grove area of California.

“At 2:04 p.m. on July 7, the Yosemite Emergency Communications Center received multiple 911 telephone calls reporting smoke visible from the Mariposa Grove area, near the Washburn Trail. A full initial attack response was dispatched including Yosemite Fire resources and cooperators. The Mariposa Grove was evacuated and is temporarily closed.

While officially listed at 250 acres as of 10:40 a.m. Friday, satellite fire mapping of the Washburn Fire indicates hotspots across nearly 1,000 acres. The fire cause is under investigation.

Carson City’s air quality is still moderate, but smoke is visible.

The 4,500-acre Electra Fire burning just south of Jackson was reported to be 65 percent contained as of Friday morning.

Forecasters are predicting west winds will help clear the smoke out this afternoon but is likely to increase again in the morning.

To help reduce the impact of wildfire smoke, the EPA recommends:

• Keep windows and doors closed.
• Use fans and air conditioning to stay cool. If you cannot stay cool, seek shelter elsewhere.
• Reduce the smoke that enters your home.
  • If you have an HVAC system with a fresh air intake, set the system to recirculate mode, or close the outdoor intake damper.
  • If you have an evaporative cooler, avoid using it unless there is a heat emergency because it can result in more smoke being brought inside. If you must use the evaporative cooler, take advantage of times when outdoor air quality improves, even temporarily, to open windows and air out the house.
  • If you have a window air conditioner, close the outdoor air damper. If you cannot close the damper, do not use the window air conditioner. Make sure that the seal between the air conditioner and the window is as tight as possible.
  • If you have a portable air conditioner with a single hose, typically vented out of a window, do not use it in smoky conditions because it can result in more smoke being brought inside. If you have a portable air conditioner with two hoses, make sure that the seal between the window vent kit and the window is as tight as possible.
• Avoid activities that create more fine particles indoors, including:
  • Smoking cigarettes.
  • Using gas, propane or wood-burning stoves and furnaces.
  • Spraying aerosol products.
  • Frying or broiling food.
  • Burning candles or incense.
  • Vacuuming, unless you use a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
• Avoid strenuous activity during smoky times to reduce how much smoke you inhale.