Prescribed Fire Notification

Yosemite Valley Prescribed Fire Notification July 19, 2007

The National Park Service plans to conduct a prescribed fire in Yosemite Valley on Thursday, July 19th, 2007, weather and air quality conditions permitting.

This project is approximately 36 acres and runs between the Merced River and Southside Drive, from El Cap Crossover to the Sentinel Beach Picnic Area. This project should last one day. This unit has been burned several times since 1980 and is comprised primarily of ponderosa pine and other mixed conifers.

Fire has a natural role in maintaining healthy ecosystems in Yosemite. Prescribed fire is designed to thin forests and reduce unnatural fuel loads in areas that are in close proximity to public and private structures, as well as visitor use areas. This prescribed fire will help provide important community protection for Yosemite Valley, as well as create a mosaic of diverse habitats for plants and animals. Fire helps recycle nutrients to the soil which aids the sprouting and re-growth of plants, shrubs, and trees.

Park staff will monitor smoke on a consistent basis; however smoky conditions may exist for the duration of this project, particularly in the morning, and continue for several days. Smoke impacts to Southside Drive may occur.

Wildland Fire Use Update: Several small lightening caused fires are being managed as wildland fire use fires (WFUs) in Yosemite National Park. The Babcock Complex (start date 7/11/07) is at the 8983’ elevation, ¾ of a mile north of Merced Lake, with a north aspect and located in Mariposa County. The fire size is approximately 20 acres. Fire crews have experienced low levels of fire spread composing of single tree torching with resulting short distance spotting. Smoke is visible at times from trails in the area, but is mixing and dispersing well toward the northeast. It is currently staffed with seven personnel including a Resource Advisor.

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. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions to minimize smoke impacts. People with respiratory problems should use caution when exerting themselves in smoky areas.

For further information:

Yosemite’s Fire Information Office: 209 372-0480

Yosemite’s Prescribed Fire Specialist, Taro Pusina: 209 375-9576

Yosemite Fire Management Website: http://www.nps.gov/yose/fire



The appropriate webcam link to Fire Update #2, Babcock Fire is: <http:www.yosmeite.org/vryos/>

That will get you to view of the fire. Today the fire has grown to 20 acres and continues to be monitored with seven personnel including a resource advisor. As the fire begins to get into the flat areas around Babcock Lake, fire spread will slow. Within the next week or two we may see increased fire spread and activity if it crosses Fletcher Creek and make short runs northeast toward Emeric Lake. We will continue to provide updates. (G. Wuchner - 7/19/07)