Size: 147 acres
Cause: Lightning
The Empire Fire is in the wilderness and reported on the night of July 31st. This fire is being managed for multiple objectives, for both protection and resources. It is approximately 1 mile south of the Bridalveil Campground and between Alder Creek and Bridalveil Creek on a north-northeast aspect with an over story of red fir, burning in forest ground litter, needle duff, and dead and down red fir. Current fire behavior is creeping and smoldering in needle duff, burning in heavy dead and down timber, and backing and flanking on the NW and NE sections of the fire.
Crews are on scene and will continue to monitor this fire. The wilderness area the Empire Fire is in is a fire adapted forest ecosystem. By allowing fires to burn naturally we can ensure a healthier, more diverse and natural forest. Most importantly, managing fires under the right conditions can reduce fuels and thereafter reduce the intensity of future fires.
There are no threats to the area, Bridalveil Campground, or the hiking trails at this time. Both the Alder creek trail and Bridalveil trail are being assessed by fire crews. The fire will be seen from the high country and may be seen from viewpoints in the immediate area off Glacier Point Road.
Smoke will be seen in the fire area and may impact the Bridalveil Campground. Fire Managers are working with the local Air Quality Districts and will continually be monitoring smoke impacts to the park and local communities. Community members who are sensitive to smoke may want to close their windows and doors and continually monitor the attached air quality links.
For additional Information:
- Fire Information: Yose_Fire_Info@nps.gov
- Yosemite National Park Fire Information website: http://www.nps.gov/yose/blogs/fireinfo.htm
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/YosemiteFire
