Yosemite National Park Announces Beginning of 2011 Fire Season

Yosemite National Park Announces Beginning of 2011 Fire Season
Date: June 15, 2011

Yosemite National Park has declared the start of the 2011 fire season today, June 15. The park begins fire season staffing of all stations for fire suppression and wilderness fires. Fire season officially begins when seasonal firefighting personnel and equipment are in place, prepared and ready to respond.

This year’s fire season has been delayed due to late snowpack runoff. However, the grasses and other vegetation in the park’s lower elevations have begun to dry out. Resources will be available seven days a week for suppression of fires within the park. Resources include: four wildland engines, one helicopter, one hand crew, one wildland fire module, and additional staffing.

Yosemite Fire Crews have begun fire prevention inspections within all park communities. Homeowners living in the wildland urban interface are reminded to complete their defensible space clearing efforts. All pile burning is discontinued until further notice.

With the potential for a hot and dry summer ahead, Yosemite fire officials urge the public and homeowners to “Please be Fire Safe,” when visiting the park and all public lands.

For more information on fire in Yosemite National Park, please visit: http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/current_fire.htm