Yosemite Fire Update #7 - Hodgdon Prescribed Fire has been Completed

Hodgdon Prescribed Fire: Approximate El. 5,000’, Tuolumne Co. The WUI protection objectives were accomplished on the evening of July 11, 2011. Five hundred acres have been successfully treated and fire managers have stopped further ignitions. This collaborative prescribed fire project, with the Stanislaus National Forest, began at 7AM July 10, 2011. The primary objective of the project was Wildland Urban Interface protection to the community of Hodgdon Meadows, and the Stanislaus National Forest. Extensive collaboration and cooperation was conducted by the Park and Forest to plan and conduct this project. It had been delayed through the spring due to high fuel moistures and record breaking snow pack. The remaining 35 firefighters assigned are mopping -up and cooling standing snags, stumps and nuisance smoke from smoldering vegetation.

Smoke and haze may continue to be visible from various locations near the burn project area. Air quality will improve over the next few days as mop-up continues the transport winds mix the smoke into the atmosphere. Smoke monitors deployed in smoke sensitive areas. They did indicate some nighttime and early morning “unhealthy levels for sensitive groups” 0.75 miles away at the Big Oak flat entrance station. Air quality monitoring will continue by the park and Tuolumne Co APCD.

Please continue to adhere to the posted 25 miles per hour through he burn area (Hwy 120 and Evergreen Road), as firefighters and equipment will be in the area. Thank you for your continued cooperation.

For additional Information: If you would like to be included on the fire interest email list, please contact Gary Wuchner at the following numbers or email address. Yosemite Fire Information and Education Office: Gary_Wuchner@nps.gov - (209) 375-9574 or 372-0480. Yosemite Fire Management Website: http://www.nps.gov/yose/parkmgmt/current_fire.htm.