SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK, Calif. November 17, 2016 – Despite the cooler temperatures, fire season continues in the parks. The following is an update on ongoing fires within park boundaries.

The Yucca Fire in Sequoia National Park, caused by a lightning strike, was initially reported on Wednesday, November 5. The fire is located at an elevation of 5800 feet. Due to the location of the fire, the parks are pursuing a suppression response. Increased fire activity was observed Monday via a National Park Service webcam on Park Ridge Lookout and eyewitness reports, prompting further firefighter response. The fire is located north of Yucca Mountain, at the junction of Yucca Ridge and Pine Ridge, and is burning in timber and mixed conifer. It abuts the western edge of the footprint of the Hidden Fire of 2008. The current size of the fire is estimated to be 20 acres. The fire is currently staffed by firefighters from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and Yosemite National Park. Fire activity is low to moderate, smoldering with isolated pockets of active fire. There are no closures currently associated with this fire.

Ignitions were completed on the Deadwood Prescribed Burn in Sequoia National Park on November 14, with a total of 278 acres. The burn is currently in the burn-down period, as remaining fuels are consumed. The burn unit is being patrolled regularly from the ground and by air. The burn unit is located in the Mineral King area, which is closed to visitors for the winter. The Atwell-Hockett Meadow Trail remains closed.

Ignitions were completed on the Dorst Prescribed Burn in Sequoia National Park on October 12, with a total of 191 acres. While the fire has not yet been officially declared out, effective Saturday, November 19, the Muir Grove Trail and the trail between Lost Grove and Dorst Campground are reopened. Visitors are strongly cautioned to observe all posted signs and stay on trails. Hot ash may remain in the interior of the unit and be difficult to detect, especially in stump holes. Watch out for active fire, dense smoke, rolling debris, and falling trees and limbs. Visitors travel at their own risk.

Firefighter and public safety are the parks’ number one priority in all fire operations. For information about air quality and smoke, visit http://www.airnow.gov or http://www.valleyair.org. For additional information and updates about these and other fires within park boundaries, visit http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/unit/797/.