Yosemite West Prescribed Burn

Yosemite West Prescribed Burn—PW 17 (B, C & E) New Date - Tuesday, October 9, 2007

The National Park Service plans to conduct a prescribed burn in the Yosemite West area to reduce hazard fuels, protect structures from the threat of unwanted wildland fire and promote ecosystem health. Besides being used to thin forests and reduce unnatural fuel loads in areas that are in close proximity to public and private structures and use areas, prescribed fire is used to simulate the effects of a natural lightning-caused fire. Weather and air quality conditions permitting, this urn is scheduled to start on Tuesday, October 9, 2007 and will continue for 5-7 days.

This burn will consist of three units, B, C & E, located west of the Wawona Road, (Hwy. 41), and south of Henness Ridge. The initial burn will be approximately 250 acres in Unit B. These units are comprised primarily of ponderosa pine, and other mixed-conifers. Together these burn units total approximately 900 acres.

Park staff will monitor smoke on a consistent basis. However, due to the topography of the area smoke will be noticeable within the Yosemite West area, as well as down canyon following the Merced River corridor, affecting El Portal and Mariposa areas. Take extra care while driving near the burn area, by observing all warning signs posted along the roadway and using your headlights when smoke is on the road. Expect reduced lanes and traffic control pilot vehicle escort and on Wednesday and Thursday with minimal travel delays on Hwy 41.

Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions to minimize smoke impacts to health. People with respiratory problems should use caution when exerting themselves in smoky areas.

For information or concerns, please call the Fire Information Line at 209-372-0480 or our Prescribed Fire Office at 209-375-9574. Mariposa County Air Quality District (APCD): Phone: (209) 966-2220 Fax: (209)966-8248