Fire Information

Yosemite Fire Information Update # 3 - July 27, 2007

On July 22, 2007, Yosemite Fire Crews put out a 2.5 acre suppression zone fire. The “Elephant” fire was discovered at approximately 7A.M. It was contained at 10 am with 75 firefighters and declared controlled at 6pm.

Of the six lightning–ignited fires of July 10 and 11, the Babcock Complex and the Grant Fire continue to burn. They continue to be allowed to spread naturally for additional resource benefit. All are in wilderness areas. Hikers and backpackers may experience smoke on trails or near fire areas. Please use caution in passing through these areas. Please do not report or put these fires out. Thunder storms have occurred through-out this week with no new fires. Thunder storms near the Sierra Crest are predicted for early next week.

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.

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.

* Indicates the date the fire was detected.

Grant Fire (*7/10) This slow moving is located approximately two miles northeast of Mt Hoffman, near the Grant Lakes basin in Mariposa Co. It has slowly grown to 2 acres and is burning in Lodgepole Pine at 9200’ elevation. Intermittent smoke is visible from Tioga Rd.

Polly Fire (*7/10) This fire is dormant. It is approximately one-half mile northwest from Polly Dome Lakes and has slowly grown to 1 acre. It is smoldering in duff, with a northwest aspect at 8734’ elevation, in Mariposa Co. No smoke has been visible by monitoring crews. This smoldering fire may occasionally be visible from the trails between May Lake and Glen Aulin.

Babcock Complex (*7/11) The Babcock Complex is at the 8983’ elevation, ¾ of a mile north of Merced Lake, with a north aspect and located in Mariposa County. The fire has grown to 28.5 acres, with 50% of the fire perimeter being active. Open flame is visible with single trees burning. This fire received significant rain through-out the week, which has contributed to low levels of fire spread. Smoke is visible at times from trails in the area, but is mixing and dispersing well toward the northeast.


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.