New Lightning Caused Fires in Yosemite

The afternoon thunderstorms in recent days have started eight confirmed fires. The fires are at high elevation, 8,000 feet and above. They are in the areas of Lukens Lake, Morrison Creek, Mt Starr King, Lembert Dome, Yosemite Creek, and Cathedral Peak. Most are showing minimal fire behavior and are creeping and smoldering through surface fuels and duff. Smoke impacts are minimal, but may be visible from various locations within the park. Fire managers expect the fires to minimally increase in size over the next few days and all will be monitored by fire crews. Additional thunderstorms, with rain, are predicted, and other fires may be started or found.

Thunderstorms have continued over the Sierra Nevada crest in the afternoon hours and have caused lightning fires in Yosemite Wilderness. Two new fires were found yesterday; one near White Wolf and the other is near Moraine Meadows. All are at 8,000 feet and above with one exception; the Dark Fire is at 7,500’, near the Yosemite Creek trail. The others are in the areas of Lukens Lake, Morrison Creek, Mt. Sarr King, Lembert Dome, and Cathedral Peak.

Most are showing minimal fire behavior and are creeping and smoldering through surface fuels and duff. Smoke is minimal, but may be visible from various locations within the park. No trails are closed. Fire managers expect the fires to minimally increase in size over the next few days and all will be monitored by fire crews. Continued thunderstorms are predicted, accompanied with rain, over the next few days. It is possible other fires may be started or found.