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Yosemite Fires – Update #2 - May 20, 2009

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avatar Yosemite Fires – Update #1 - May 19, 2009
May 20, 2009 09:35AM
Yosemite Fires – Update #1 - May 19, 2009

On the afternoon of May 18, 2009, Yosemite National Park experienced an afternoon thunderstorm, a common occurrence for the Sierra Nevada Range, during the summer. It is relatively un-common for May, and according to National Weather Service, NOAA, this monsoonal storm was more typical for August. It did result in three confirmed fires, and was accompanied by measurable precipitation at higher elevations; the Valley received .33 inches of rain. There is a possibility of continuing thunderstorms for the rest of the week, particularly in the afternoon hours, which may result in other fires.

Suppression Zone:
West (37°40’24.24” 119°45’19.45”) - This lightning caused fire is in Mariposa Co, near the Park Boundary and north/west of Yosemite West. It was necessary for crews to rappel into this fire due to steepness of the terrain it is contained and is being mopped up this afternoon. It was smoldering in pine needles and some down logs and was put out due to significant threats to the community of Yosemite West. It will be patrolled by air.

Cottonwood (37°54’13.68” 119°47’41.64”) – This lightning caused fire is in Tuolumne Co, and burning within the 1996 Ackerson fire perimeter. It is 2.5 miles east of the Mather Ranger Station and near Cottonwood Meadow. It is actively burning in whitethorn, and down and dead timber. As of 7 pm tonight 10 acres had burned, and 10 firefighters are on scene. Fire managers are considering all suppression options.

Wilderness Zone:
Mono (37°40’ 25.31” 119°33’ 56.89”) – This lightning caused fire is located in Mariposa Co. and within the Illilouette Basin and in the wilderness zone. A quarter acre is burning in brush and dead and down logs, and within the 2004 Meadow fire perimeter, at about 7500’. This area has a considerable history of natural wildfire that has been managed for restoration of forest systems. Fire Crews are monitoring. This fire has low potential for spread.

Additional Information: The park website, http://www.nps.gov/yose/fire has information about fire activity and smoke effects in Yosemite. The fire information and education office phone number is; (209) 372-0489
avatar Yosemite Fires – Update #2 - May 20, 2009
May 21, 2009 09:38AM
Yosemite Fires – Update #2 - May 20, 2009

On the afternoon of May 18, 2009 Yosemite National Park experienced an afternoon thunderstorm, a common occurrence
for the Sierra Nevada Range during the summer. It is relatively uncommon for May, and according to National Weather
Service this monsoonal storm was more typical for August. It resulted in many down strikes in Yosemite and three
confirmed fires. It was accompanied by measurable precipitation at higher elevations. Yosemite Valley received
approximately 1/3 of an inch of rain. There is a possibility of continuing thunderstorms for the rest of the week particularly
in the afternoon hours, which may result in other fires.

Suppression Zone:
West (37°40’24.24” 119°45’19.45”) - This lightning caused fire is in Mariposa County near the park boundary and north/
west of the community of Yosemite West. It was necessary for crews to rappel into this fire due to steepness of the
terrain. It is controlled and being mopped up. It was smoldering in pine needles and some down logs and was put out due
to significant threats to the community of Yosemite West. It will be patrolled by air.

Cottonwood (37°54’13.68” 119°47’41.64”) – This lightning caused fire is in Tuolumne County and is burning within
the 1996 Ackerson fire perimeter. It is 2.5 miles east of the Mather Ranger Station and near Cottonwood Meadow. It is
actively burning in whitethorn and dead and down timber. As of 10:00 AM on May 20, 2009 about 15 acres had burned.
Fifty firefighters, one Type 2 Helicopter and two Hot Shot teams: Groveland from the Stanislaus NF and Sierra NF
Hotshots. Fire managers are considering all suppression options.

Wilderness Zone:
Mono (37°40’ 25.31” 119°33’ 56.89”) – This lightning caused fire is located in Mariposa County within the Illilouette
Basin and in Yosemite’s wilderness. Approximately ¾ of an acre is burning in brush and dead and down logs within the
2004 Meadow Fire perimeter at about 7500’. This area has a considerable history of natural wildfire that has been
managed for restoration of forest systems. Fire crews are currently monitoring the fire. This fire has moderate potential for
spread.

The protection of human life and property is the top priority for Yosemite’s fire management staff, as well as the
preservation of natural and cultural resources, and the preservation and restoration of fire-dependent ecosystems. Each fire
is managed individually to achieve one or more objectives in the safest, most efficient and cost-effective way possible. In
order to achieve this, strategies employed may include full suppression, containment line building, use of natural barriers,
monitoring, and other management techniques or combination of techniques.

Park staff will monitor smoke on a consistent basis. However, smoky conditions may exist within the park.
Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions to minimize smoke impacts to health. People with respiratory
problems should use caution when exerting themselves in smoky areas.

Additional Information:
The park website, www.nps.gov/yose/fire, has information about fire activity and smoke effects in Yosemite. To reach the
Fire Information and Education Office please call 209/372-0480 or email us at: [email protected].
avatar Yosemite Fires – Update # 4 - May 23, 2009
May 26, 2009 10:38AM
Yosemite Fires – Update # 4 - May 23, 2009

On the afternoon of May 18, 2009 Yosemite National Park experienced an afternoon thunderstorm, a common occurrence
for the Sierra Nevada Range during the summer. It is relatively uncommon for May, and according to National Weather
Service this monsoonal storm was more typical for August. It resulted in many down strikes in Yosemite and three
confirmed fires. It was accompanied by measurable precipitation at higher elevations. Yosemite Valley received
approximately 1/3 of an inch of rain. There is a possibility of continuing thunderstorms for the rest of the week
particularly in the afternoon hours, which may result in other fires.

Suppression Zone:
West (37°40’24.31” 119°33’56.89”) - Please note the Lat/long change. This lightning caused fire is in Mariposa
County near the park boundary and north/west of the community of Yosemite West. It was necessary for crews to rappel
into this fire due to steepness of the terrain. This fire is out. It was smoldering in pine needles and some down logs and
was put out due to significant threats to the community of Yosemite West. It will be patrolled by air.

Cottonwood (37°54’13.68” 119°47’41.64”) – As of 7 PM, May 22, this fire was declared 100 % contained, and 50%
controlled. Ninety-six acres have burned. This lightning caused fire is in Tuolumne County and is burning within the
1996 Ackerson fire perimeter. It is 2.5 miles east of the Mather Ranger Station and near Cottonwood Meadow. It was
actively burning in whitethorn and dead and down timber. Eighty firefighters, two Type 2 Helicopters and three Hot Shot
teams (Groveland from the Stanislaus NF, Sierra NF Hotshots, and the Arrowhead HS) are committed to this fire. Mop
will continue today and full control is expected tonight at 7 PM. Smoke impacts have been minimal.

Wilderness Zone:
Mono (37°40’ 24.24” 119°45’ 19.45”) – Please note the change in Lat/Long. This lightning caused fire is located in
Mariposa County, within the Illilouette Basin and Yosemite’s wilderness. This fire continues to grow slowly as
expected, and approximately 6 acres have burned in brush, and dead and down logs within the 2004 Meadow Fire
perimeter. This area has a considerable history of natural wildfire that has been managed for restoration of forest systems.
A three to four person fire crew will continue to monitor this fire daily. Minimal smoke is visible in some places along the
Glacier Point road. This fire has low to moderate potential for spread.

The protection of human life and property is the top priority for Yosemite’s fire management staff, as well as the
preservation of natural and cultural resources, and the preservation and restoration of fire-dependent ecosystems. Each fire
is managed individually to achieve one or more objectives in the safest, most efficient and cost-effective way possible. In
order to achieve this, strategies employed may include full suppression, containment line building, use of natural barriers,
monitoring, and other management techniques or combination of techniques.

Park staff will monitor smoke on a consistent basis. However, smoky conditions may exist within the park.
Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions to minimize smoke impacts to health. People with respiratory
problems should use caution when exerting themselves in smoky areas.

Additional Information:
The park website, http://www.nps.gov/yose/fire, has information about fire activity and smoke effects in Yosemite. To reach the
Fire Information and Education Office please call 209/372-0480 or email us at: yose_fire_information@nps.gov.
avatar Re: Yosemite Fires – Update # 4 - May 23, 2009
May 26, 2009 10:42AM
Eeek,
If there are no notices of trail closures in these reports is it safe to assume there are none?



Old Dude
avatar Re: Yosemite Fires – Update # 4 - May 23, 2009
May 26, 2009 10:43AM
Quote
mrcondron
If there are no notices of trail closures in these reports is it safe to assume there are none?

That depends on what you mean by safe. But, no, it doesn't sound like any trails are closed.
avatar Re: Yosemite Fires – Update # 4 - May 23, 2009
May 26, 2009 10:47AM
safe OK



Old Dude
avatar Re: Yosemite Fires – Update # 4 - May 23, 2009
May 26, 2009 10:54AM
Quote
eeek
Cottonwood (37°54’13.68” 119°47’41.64”) – blah blah blah...
It is 2.5 miles east of the Mather Ranger Station and near Cottonwood Meadow. It was
actively burning in whitethorn and dead and down timber.

Yo Bee.
I was right about one of the shrubberies:
Mountain Whitethorn

This has got to be the "thorny" "manzanita".

http://yosemitenews.info/forum/read.php?1,11774
avatar Yosemite Fires – Update #5 - May 27, 2009
May 31, 2009 12:20PM
Over the past week, Yosemite National Park has experienced several thunderstorms with five lightning strikes resulting in fires. No closures are associated with these fires, and smoke production has been minimal.

The protection of human life and property is the top priority for Yosemite’s fire management staff, as well as the preservation of natural and cultural resources and the preservation and restoration of fire-dependent ecosystems. Each fire is managed individually to achieve one or more objectives in the safest, most efficient, and cost-effective way possible. Strategies employed to meet these objectives may include full suppression, containment line building, use of natural barriers, monitoring, and other management techniques or combination of techniques.

Wilderness Zone:

Dark Hole Fire (37 50.721 X 119 36.633, Mariposa County) started May 26. This lightning-caused fire is located near
the Yosemite Creek Campground access road and is currently approximately 1/10th of an acre. It is being managed for
multiple objectives, including resource benefit, smoke considerations, and cost effectiveness. This fire is smoldering in red
fir and lodgepole litter and duff. It is minimally active due to high fuel moistures and remaining patchy snow.

Pit Fire (37 48.063 X 119 31.201, Mariposa County) started May 26. This lightning-caused fire is about 1/10th of an
acre and is located near the Snow Creek Trail approximately one mile southwest of the Tioga Road. This fire has shown
minimal activity due to sparse vegetation and high fuel moistures.

Mono (37°40’ 24.24” 119°45’ 19.45”) started May 18 – This lightning caused fire is located in Mariposa County, within
the Illilouette Basin and Yosemite’s wilderness. This fire continues to grow slowly as expected. Minimal smoke is visible
in some places along the Glacier Point road. This fire has low to moderate potential for spread.

Suppression Zone:

Cottonwood (37°54’13.68” 119°47’41.64”) started May 18 – As of May 27, 2009 the Cottonwood Fire is controlled at 96
acres. This fire is still being regularly patrolled.

Park staff will monitor smoke on a consistent basis. However, smoky conditions may exist within the park. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions to minimize smoke impacts to health. People with respiratory problems should use caution when exerting themselves in smoky areas.

Additional Information:

The park website, http://www.nps.gov/yose/fire, has information about fire activity and smoke effects in Yosemite. To reach the Fire Information and Education Office please call 209/372-0480 or email us at: yose_fire_information@nps.gov.
avatar Re: Yosemite Fires – Update #1 - May 19, 2009
May 31, 2009 03:09PM
Yosemite, CA -- Thunderstorms have been traveling across portions of the Sierra Nevada the past few days and are expected to continue into the weekend. Two new lightning fires were started in Yosemite
National Park on Tuesday.


http://www.mymotherlode.com/news/local/news_detail.php?ID=286047
avatar Yosemite Fires – Update #6 - May 31, 2009
June 01, 2009 12:40PM
Yosemite National Park continues to experience thunderstorms. Four new fires were found yesterday due to lightning. No closures are associated with these fires, and smoke production has been minimal. Yesterday’s thunderstorm was accompanied by measurable rain, and other fires maybe found. More storms are predicted for the next few days.

The protection of human life and property is the top priority for Yosemite’s fire management staff, as well as the preservation of natural and cultural resources, and the preservation and restoration of fire-dependent ecosystems. Each fire is managed individually to achieve one or more objectives in the safest, most efficient and cost-effective way possible. Strategies employed to meet these objectives may include full suppression, containment line building, use of natural barriers, monitoring, and other management techniques or combination of techniques.

Wilderness Fire Zone:

Grouse Creek (.5 ac, 37 41.445 x 119 41.017; 6500’, Mariposa Co.) This new fire is burning in brush, and down logs, on
a southwest aspect. It is within the 1990 “Steamboat” fire perimeter, and it is east of the Wawona Rd (Hwy 41). It has
moderate potential for growth. Smoke is visible from many locations in the Park (Foresta, El Portal and many roads into
the Park).

Indian Creek (.1 ac, 37 46.449x119 35.150; 7400’, Mariposa Co.) This new fire is burning approximately one mile north
of the rim of the Valley, in needle litter and down trees.. Multiple fires have burned in this area since the 1970s. It has
moderate potential for spread. Smoke may be visible through the day from the Glacier Point area. Crews are hiking into
the fire today.

Smith (.25 ac, 37 55.142x119 45.428, 6400’, Tuolumne Co.) This new fire is burning within the 1996 Ackerson fire
perimeter and approximately 2 miles northeast of the Cottonwood fire (05.18.09 start). It is burning in whitethorn, down
logs and standing dead trees (snags). It has moderate potential for growth.

Dark Hole Fire (37 50.721 X 119 36.633, Mariposa County), started May 26. This lightning-caused fire is located near
the Yosemite Creek Campground access road. This fire is smoldering in red fir and lodgepole pine litter and duff. It
continues to be minimally active.

Pit Fire (37 48.063 X 119 31.201, Mariposa County), started May 26. This lightning-caused fire is about 1/10th of an acre
and is located near the Snow Creek. This fire has shown minimal activity due to sparse vegetation and high fuel moistures.
Mono (37°40’ 24.24” 119°45’ 19.45”), started May 18 – This lightning caused fire is located in Mariposa County, within
the Illilouette Basin and Yosemite’s wilderness. This fire has had minimal activity and no smoke is visible.

Suppression Zone:

Foresta (0.1 ac, 37 42.271x 119 44.428, Mariposa Co.) This single tree and small ground fire was suppressed and is
patrol status.

Cottonwood (37°54’13.68” 119°47’41.64”), started May 18 – As of May 27, 2009 the Cottonwood Fire is controlled at 96
acres. This fire continues to be patrolled.
avatar Yosemite Fires – Update #6 - May 31, 2009
June 02, 2009 10:29AM
Yosemite National Park continues to experience thunderstorms. Four new fires were found yesterday due to lightning. No closures are associated with these fires, and smoke production has been minimal. Yesterday’s thunderstorm was accompanied by measurable rain, and other fires maybe found. More storms are predicted for the next few days. The protection of human life and property is the top priority for Yosemite’s fire management staff, as well as the preservation of natural and cultural resources, and the preservation and restoration of fire-dependent ecosystems. Each fire is managed individually to achieve one or more objectives in the safest, most efficient and cost-effective way possible. Strategies employed to meet these objectives may include full suppression, containment line building, use of natural barriers, monitoring, and other management techniques or combination of techniques.

Widerness Fire Zone:

Grouse Creek (.5 ac, 37 41.445 x 119 41.017; 6500’, Mariposa Co.) This new fire is burning in brush, and down logs, on
a southwest aspect. It is within the 1990 “Steamboat” fire perimeter, and it is east of the Wawona Rd (Hwy 41). It has
moderate potential for growth. Smoke is visible from many locations in the Park (Foresta, El Portal and many roads into
the Park).

Indian Creek (.1 ac, 37 46.449x119 35.150; 7400’, Mariposa Co.) This new fire is burning approximately one mile north
of the rim of the Valley, in needle litter and down trees.. Multiple fires have burned in this area since the 1970s. It has
moderate potential for spread. Smoke may be visible through the day from the Glacier Point area. Crews are hiking into
the fire today.

Smith (.25 ac, 37 55.142x119 45.428, 6400’, Tuolumne Co.) This new fire is burning within the 1996 Ackerson fire
perimeter and approximately 2 miles northeast of the Cottonwood fire (05.18.09 start). It is burning in whitethorn, down
logs and standing dead trees (snags). It has moderate potential for growth.

Dark Hole Fire (37 50.721 X 119 36.633, Mariposa County), started May 26. This lightning-caused fire is located near
the Yosemite Creek Campground access road. This fire is smoldering in red fir and lodgepole pine litter and duff. It
continues to be minimally active.

Pit Fire (37 48.063 X 119 31.201, Mariposa County), started May 26. This lightning-caused fire is about 1/10th of an acre
and is located near the Snow Creek. This fire has shown minimal activity due to sparse vegetation and high fuel moistures.

Mono (37°40’ 24.24” 119°45’ 19.45”), started May 18 – This lightning caused fire is located in Mariposa County, within
the Illilouette Basin and Yosemite’s wilderness. This fire has had minimal activity and no smoke is visible.

Supression Zone:

Foresta (0.1 ac, 37 42.271x 119 44.428, Mariposa Co.) This single tree and small ground fire was suppressed and is
patrol status.

Cottonwood (37°54’13.68” 119°47’41.64”), started May 18 – As of May 27, 2009 the Cottonwood Fire is controlled at 96
acres. This fire continues to be patrolled.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/02/2009 10:30AM by eeek.
avatar Only one fire active now
June 03, 2009 03:16PM
The only fire continuing to show activity is the Grouse fire, which began the 30th of May and caused by lightning. It is approximately 16 acres in size, and is near upper reaches of Grouse Creek, north of the Glacier Point Rd and east of the Wawona Rd. This forest restoration burn will be visible (smoke and glow in the evening) throughout the "front country" part of the Park: El Portal, Hwy 120 from Foresta, and portions of the Wawona Rd. Approximately 65 firefighters are on scene.

The other fires within Yosemite are in patrol status.
avatar Yosemite Fires – Update #7 – June 3, 2009
June 04, 2009 08:28AM
Yosemite National Park continues to experience cool temperatures and thunderstorms. No new fires have been detected since May 30. No closures are associated with these fires, and smoke production has been minimal. All of these fires are within the Park Boundary.

The protection of human life and property is the top priority for Yosemite’s fire management staff, as well as the preservation of natural and cultural resources, and the preservation and restoration of fire-dependent ecosystems. Each fire is managed individually to achieve one or more objectives in the safest, most efficient and cost-effective way possible. Strategies employed to meet these objectives may include full suppression, containment line building, use of natural barriers, monitoring, and other management techniques or combination of techniques.

Wilderness Fire Zone:

Grouse Creek (37 41.445 x 119 41.017; 6500’, Mariposa Co.) This is an important fire for forest restoration, and will be managed for multiple objectives. The fire began May 30, and is burning in brush, and down logs, on a southwest aspect. It has grown to approximately 16 ac; it has slowed due to the cool temperatures and cloud cover. It is within the 1990 “Steamboat” fire perimeter, and it is east of the Wawona Rd (Hwy 41). It continues to have good potential for growth. Smoke is visible from many locations in the Park (Foresta, El Portal and many roads into the Park). Indian Creek (.1 ac, 37 46.449x119 35.150; 7400’, Mariposa Co.) This fire began May 30. It is burning approximately one mile north of the rim of the Valley, in needle litter and down trees. Multiple fires have burned in this area since the 1970s. It has low to moderate potential for spread. It is being is periodically monitored by and ground resources. Smoke has not been visible during the last few days.

Smith (.25 ac, 37 55.142x119 45.428, 6400’, Tuolumne Co.) This fire began May 30, and is burning within the 1996 Ackerson fire perimeter; approximately 2 miles northeast of the Cottonwood fire (05.18.09 start). It is burning in whitethorn, down logs and standing dead trees (snags). It has moderate potential for growth, and is being monitored by ground and air resources.

Dark Hole Fire (37 50.721 X 119 36.633, Mariposa Co), started May 26. This lightning-caused fire is located near the Yosemite Creek Campground access road. This fire is smoldering in red fir and lodgepole pine litter and duff. It continues to be minimally active and is monitored by ground and air.

Pit Fire (37 48.063 X 119 31.201, Mariposa County), started May 26. This lightning-caused fire is about 1/10th of an acre and is located near the Snow Creek trail. This fire has shown minimal activity, and is being monitored

Mono (37°40’ 24.24” 119°45’ 19.45”, Mariposa Co), started May 18 – This lightning caused fire is located in Mariposa County, within the Illilouette Basin and Yosemite’s wilderness. This fire has had minimal activity and no smoke is visible, but will be monitored.

Suppression Zone:

Cottonwood (37°54’13.68” 119°47’41.64”), started May 18 – As of May 27, 2009 the Cottonwood Fire is controlled at 96 acres. This fire continues to be patrolled. (G. Wuchner - 6/4/09)
avatar Yosemite Fires – Update #8 – June 4, 2009
June 05, 2009 11:25AM
Yosemite National Park continues to experience cool temperatures and thunderstorms. However, no new fires have been detected since May 30. No closures are associated with these fires, and smoke production has been minimal. All of these fires are within the Park Boundary.

The protection of human life and property is the top priority for Yosemite’s fire management staff, as well as the preservation of natural and cultural resources, and the preservation and restoration of fire-dependent ecosystems. Each fire is managed individually to achieve one or more objectives in the safest, most efficient and cost-effective way possible. Strategies employed to meet these objectives may include full suppression, containment line building, use of natural barriers, monitoring, and other management techniques or combination of techniques.

Wilderness Fire Zone:

Grouse Creek (37 41.445 x 119 41.017; 6500’, Mariposa Co.) This is an important fire for forest restoration, and will be managed for multiple objectives. The fire began May 30, and is burning in brush, and down logs, on a southwest aspect. It has grown to approximately 26ac and continue to be the most active. It is within the 1990 “Steamboat” fire perimeter, and it is east of the Wawona Rd (Hwy 41). It continues to have good potential for growth. Smoke will continue to be visible from many locations in the Park (Foresta, El Portal and many roads into the Park).

Indian Creek (.1 ac, 37 46.449x119 35.150; 7400’, Mariposa Co.) This fire began May 30. It is burning approximately one mile north of the rim of the Valley, in needle litter and down trees. Multiple fires have burned in this area since the 1970s. It has low to moderate potential for spread. It is being is periodically monitored by and ground resources. Smoke has not been visible during the last few days.

Smith (.25 ac, 37 55.142x119 45.428, 6400’, Tuolumne Co.) This fire began May 30, and is burning within the 1996 Ackerson fire perimeter; approximately 2 miles northeast of the Cottonwood fire (05.18.09 start). It is burning in whitethorn, down logs and standing dead trees (snags). It has moderate potential for growth, and is being monitored by ground and air resources.

Dark Hole Fire (37 50.721 X 119 36.633, Mariposa Co), started May 26. This 10’x10’ lightning-caused fire is located near the Yosemite Creek Campground access road. This fire is smoldering in red fir and lodgepole pine litter and duff. It continues to be minimally active and is monitored by ground and air.

Pit Fire (37 48.063 X 119 31.201, Mariposa Co), started May 26. This lightning-caused fire is about 1/10th of an acre and is located near the Snow Creek trail. This fire has shown minimal activity, and is being monitored

Mono (37°40’ 24.24” 119°45’ 19.45”, Mariposa Co), started May 18 – This lightning caused fire is located within the Illilouette Basin and Yosemite’s wilderness. This fire has had minimal activity and no smoke is visible, but will be monitored.

Suppression Zone:

Cottonwood (37°54’13.68” 119°47’41.64”, Tuolumne Co), started May 18 – As of May 27, 2009 the Cottonwood Fire is controlled at 96 acres. This fire continues to be patrolled, as smoke continues to be visible within the fire perimeter. Park staff will monitor smoke on a consistent basis. However, smoky conditions may exist within the park. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions to minimize smoke impacts to health. People with respiratory problems should use caution when exerting themselves in smoky areas.

For Additional Information: The park website, www.nps.gov/yose/fire; Fire information: 209/372-0480; or email at: yose_fire_information@nps.gov.
avatar Yosemite Fires – Update #9 – June 8, 2009
June 09, 2009 01:09PM
The fire activity within Yosemite has been greatly reduced by the weekend's rain and snow. Yosemite received varying amounts of precipitation since last Friday (.5 to 1.2 inches ). Some fires may have been put out, i.e. the Mono. Fire Managers, took advantage of the weather and pulled the fire crews off the inactive fires and returned to "pile" burring. (Wawona Rd. and Golf course area, Wawona SDA Camp, El Portal, Foresta, and Crane Flat.. The fire crews put a big dent in the backlog of standing piles, as a few hundred were burned. . Recon flights by Helicopter 551 found limited fire activity on all existing fires, and one additional new fire near Indian Creek; Lehemite (see Fire Update #9).

Smoke dispersal conditions are forecasted to remain favorable for the next 7-10 days,. Due to good air quality and adequate resources, Fire Managers are considering prescribed fire burning near the communities of Wawona and El Portal. The "Soupbowl" (60 acres), the completion of Wawona Northwest (400), or 55 acres in Old El Portal are potential projects. More information will follow prior to these projects.

Finally, thanks to all homeowners, in all communities of the Park, to make your home fire safe, by your efforts to clean your properties of needle and other down and dead vegetation. The wood debris pile, in Wawona, has been filling and fire crews began burning that pile today. Smoke will be visible.

Yosemite Fires – Update #9 – June 8, 2009

Yosemite National Park continues to experience thunderstorms, rain and some snow which has slowed fire growth greatly. One new fire was detected over the weekend. No closures are associated with these fires, and smoke production has been minimal. All of these fires are within the Park Boundary.

The protection of human life and property is the top priority for Yosemite’s fire management staff, as well as the preservation of natural and cultural resources, and the preservation and restoration of fire-dependent ecosystems. Each fire is managed individually to achieve one or more objectives in the safest, most efficient and cost-effective way possible. Strategies employed to meet these objectives may include full suppression, containment line building, use of natural barriers, monitoring, and other management techniques or combination of techniques.

Wilderness Fire Zone:

Lehamite (37 47.385x119.34.212); 7400’, in Mariposa Co). New fire detected June 7. It is .10 ac, smoldering in ground litter, ½ mile northeast of the Indian fire. A single tree was hit by lightning, most likely 5/30. It has low potential for growth.

Grouse Creek (37 41.445 x 119 41.017; 6500’, Mariposa Co.) This is an important fire for forest restoration, and will be managed for multiple objectives. The fire began May 30, and is burning in brush, and down logs, on a southwest aspect. It has grown to approximately 30ac, but activity has slowed considerably. It is within the 1990 “Steamboat” fire perimeter, and it is east of the Wawona Rd (Hwy 41). Smoke may be visible from many locations in the Park.

Indian Creek (.1 ac, 37 46.449x119 35.150; 7400’, Mariposa Co) Started May 30. It is burning approximately one mile north of the rim of the Valley, in needle litter and down trees. Multiple fires have burned in this area since the 1970s. It has low to moderate potential for spread. It is being monitored by air and ground resources. Occasional smoke is visible.

Smith (37 55.142x119 45.428, 6400’, Tuolumne Co) Started May 30. It is burning within the 1996 Ackerson fire perimeter; approximately 2 miles northeast of the Cottonwood fire (05.18.09 start). It has shown minimal growth, remains at .25 ac, and no smoke is visible. It is being monitored by air resources.

Dark Hole Fire (37 50.721 X 119 36.633, Mariposa Co), started May 26. This 10’x10’ lightning-caused fire is located near the Yosemite Creek Campground access road. This fire is smoldering in red fir and lodgepole pine litter and duff. No smoke was visible over the weekend.

Pit Fire (37 48.063 X 119 31.201, Mariposa Co), started May 26. This lightning-caused fire is about 1/10th of an acre and is located near the Snow Creek trail. This fire has shown minimal activity, and is being monitored by air and ground resources.

Mono (37°40’ 24.24” 119°45’ 19.45”, Mariposa Co), started May 18. No visible fire activity.

Suppression Zone:

Cottonwood (37°54’13.68” 119°47’41.64”, Tuolumne Co), started May 18. As of May 27, 2009 the Cottonwood Fire is controlled at 96 acres. This fire continues to be patrolled, and minimal smoke remains visible within the perimeter.


Park staff will monitor smoke on a consistent basis. However, smoky conditions may exist within the park. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions to minimize smoke impacts to health. People with respiratory problems should use caution when exerting themselves in smoky areas.

For Additional Information: The park website, www.nps.gov/yose/fire; Fire information: 209/372-0480; or email at: yose_fire_information@nps.gov.
avatar Yosemite Fires – Update #10 – June 9, 2009
June 10, 2009 01:22PM
Another fire was found late yesterday afternoon (June 8), in the Harden Lake area. This area has a long history of lightning caused fires. As stated in the last update, other fires are likely to be detected as the temperatures rise, less precipitation occurs and with longer day light hours.

Pile burning has continued and over 500 of standing piles have been burned. Fire crews will be conducting a grass burn in the Old El Portal area, beginning on the morning of June 11. The primary objective being enhancement of defensible space for property owners.
avatar Yosemite Fires – Update #11 – June 15, 2009
June 16, 2009 02:58PM
Yosemite National Park continues to experience thunderstorms, rain and some snow which has slowed fire growth greatly. As expected, another fire has been detected. No closures are associated with these fires, and smoke production has been minimal. All of these fires are within the Park Boundary, and all fires continue to be patrolled.

The protection of human life and property is the top priority for Yosemite’s fire management staff, as well as the preservation of natural and cultural resources, and the preservation and restoration of fire-dependent ecosystems. Each fire is managed individually to achieve one or more objectives in the safest, most efficient and cost-effective way possible. Strategies employed to meet these objectives may include full suppression, containment line building, use of natural barriers, monitoring, and other management techniques or combination of techniques.

Wilderness Fire Zone:

Whitethorn (37 54.648 x 119 41.950; Tuolumne Co); this fire was detected June 12; by crews hiking into the Harden fire. It is a 20’ x 20’ area and one smoldering log. It is in the ’96 Ackerson perimeter. It is between the Harden and Smith fires, and currently has low to moderate potential for growth.

Harden (37 53.624 x 119 42.221; 7800’, Tuolumne Co); Found by Helicopter 551, and due to a lightning strike, probably on June 8. It is north of White Wolf, west of Harden Lake and within the 1996 Ackerson fire perimeter. It is burning in Red Fir and brush, with 90% of the perimeter active. It does have moderate potential for growth.

Lehamite (37 47.385 x 119.34.212; 7400’, in Mariposa Co). Detected June 7. It is .10 ac, smoldering in ground litter and brush, ½ mile northeast of the Indian fire. A single tree was hit by lightning. It has potential for growth.

Grouse Creek (37 41.445 x 119 41.017; 6500’, Mariposa Co.) The fire began May 30, and due to cooler temperatures and continuing rain is nearly out: one log has smoke in it. It is on hold at 30 ac.

Indian Creek (.1 ac, 37 46.449 x 119 35.150; 7400’, Mariposa Co) Started May 30. It is burning approximately one mile north of the rim of the Valley, in needle litter and down trees. Multiple fires have burned in this area since the 1970s. It has low to moderate potential for spread. Occasional smoke is visible.

Smith (37 55.142x119 45.428, 6400’, Tuolumne Co) Started May 30. It is burning within the 1996 Ackerson fire perimeter. It has shown minimal growth, remains at .25 ac, and the single strike tree continues to burn.

Mono (37°40’ 24.24” 119°45’ 19.45”, Mariposa Co), started May 18. One log has smoke in it.

The Pit and Dark Hole are out.

Suppression Zone:

Cottonwood (37°54’13.68” 119°47’41.64”, Tuolumne Co), started May 18. As of May 27, 2009 the Cottonwood Fire is controlled at 96 acres. This fire continues to be patrolled, and minimal smoke remains visible within the perimeter.

Park staff will monitor smoke on a consistent basis. However, smoky conditions may exist within the park. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions to minimize smoke impacts to health. People with respiratory problems should use caution when exerting themselves in smoky areas.

For Additional Information: The park website, www.nps.gov/yose/fire; Fire information: 209/372-0480; or email at: yose_fire_information@nps.gov.
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