Fire Information

Fire crews discovered seven new fires burning in Yosemite National Park. These lightning–ignited fires are the result of a series of thunderstorms that passed through Yosemite’s high country over the past week. Six of these newly detected fires will be allowed to spread naturally for additional resource benefit. The decision has been made to suppress the first listed fire due to it being in the fire suppression zone.

Fire is a natural ecological process in Yosemite National Park. Each year, lightning strikes result in wildland fires that help shape Yosemite‘s wilderness. Naturally occurring fire allows forests to be thinned, opening the canopy and allowing sunlight through which allows for the sprouting and re-growth of plants, shrubs and trees. Fire also allows for the recycling of nutrients to the soil while reducing the amount of dead, woody debris.

* Indicates the date the fire was detected.

Repeater Fire (*7/10) - Suppression Fire

This fire is located 1.5 miles Northeast of North Mountain, in Tuolumne Co. It is currently a quarter of an acre, at approximately 5000’ elevation. It is near containment. Crews are on scene and will suppress this fire.

The following managed Wildland Fire Use fires are routinely monitored to ensure that the programs goals are met. All fires will be monitored daily by air or ground crews.

Grant Fire (*7/10)

This fire is located approximately two miles northeast of Mt Hoffman, near the Grant Lakes basin in Mariposa Co. It is currently .10 acre and burning in Lodgepole pine at 9200’ elevation and smoke is visible from Tioga Road. It has moderate potential for growth.

Tiltill Fire (*7/10)

This a fire in a green tree and is one half mile north/northwest of Rancheria Creek, in Tuolumne Co. It is at 5773’ elevation. It is inactive.

Polly Fire (*7/10)

This fire is approximately one-half mile northwest from Polly Dome Lakes. Fire size is currently 50’ x 20’, with a northwest aspect at 8734’ elevation, in Mariposa Co. Smoke is may be visible from the trails between May Lake and Glen Aulin. Please stay out of the fire area and use caution if hiking in this area. It has low to moderate potential for growth.

Echo Valley (*7/11)

Fire size is .10 of an acre, north of Merced Lake, in Mariposa Co. It is at 8600’ elevation with a southwest aspect, in dead and down logs. Flames were observed and this fire has moderate potential for growth.

Babcock (*7/11)

Fire size is one quarter acre in patchy fuels and rock, in Mariposa Co. It is at the 8983’ elevation, with a north aspect. This fire has a low to moderate potential for growth.

Additional Information: Park fire managers are anticipating additional lightning strikes with possible new fire starts. The park website, http://www.nps.gov/yose/fire has information about fire activity and smoke effects in Yosemite.