Prescribed Fires

YV-15 Rocky Point and YV-4 North Bridalveil Burn Units

The National Park Service is planning to conduct prescribed fire activities in the Yosemite Valley area. Weather and air quality permitting, YV-15 will begin on September 17th, while YV-4 is slated for the following week. Each unit will only take a day to complete, once started.

These two burns, when complete, will likely total around 79 acres. YV-4 is immediately east of Bridalveil Meadow. YV-15 is east of the El Capitan Picnic Area. Both units are north of the Merced River adjacent to Northside Drive. Both units have been burned in the past and are 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 Village, 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 Northside Drive and the Yosemite Lodge area may occur. Drivers should use extreme caution and abide by posted speed limits.

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 Manager, Mike Beasley: 209 375-9574
Yosemite Fire Management Website: http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/2008fire.htm