This lightning caused Grouse fire, began in late May. Summers has arrived in the Park and the dead and down vegetation (fuels), have dried sufficiently to spread the fire. This fire is an opportunity to benefit natural resources, helping to cleanse the landscape and renew vegetation.
This is a particularly important incident, as it is the first fire in this area since the 1990 Steamboat fire. There is an unnatural accumulation of fuels in this area due to exclusion of fire. Fire managers have set a plan to utilize natural barriers, trail systems and roadways for the fire to move within the perimeter.
Air quality is always an important priority and concern for fire managers. Actions are being utilized by firefighters to minimize and reduce smoke impacts, such as helicopter water drops to cool portions of the fire.
For additional Information:
- Yosemite Fire Information and Education Office: (209) 375-9574 or 372-0480
- Yosemite Fire Management Website: http://www.nps.gov/yose/fire
