We have experienced a few small rain and snow events in Yosemite over the last week. With these, we are considering Ribbon and South Fork fires 100% contained. Star King and Empire fires have minimal activity but smoke from these may continue to be visible from Glacier and Washburn Points.

On November 3rd Yosemite Fire conducted a prescription burn in the Historic Merced Grove. This operation treated 100 acres in the upper grove. Prescribed fire is used to mimic natural processes in this fire adapted ecosystem. If conditions are favorable we may continue to burn in the Grove prior to a fire season ending precipitation event.

Pile burning will continue through the fall and winter as conditions allow. Pile locations will vary based on continued fuels work throughout the park and communities. The current pile burning operations along the “Bridalveil straight” area in the Yosemite Valley are part of the Scenic Vista Management and Meadow Restoration Projects.

For more insight into the Scenic Vista Management and Meadow Restoration Projects you may visit the park website or follow the links below:

Podcast https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/management/vista.htm

Video https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/photosmultimedia/restoringameadow.htm

Yosemite Fire, Forestry, Tribal Council, and Resource Management and Science work together to help ensure the safety of the visitors, the health of the ecosystem, the protection of natural and cultural resources, and the management of scenic vistas throughout the park.