<HTML>The National Park Service plans to conduct another prescribed burn in Yosemite Valley to 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 forests 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 burn is scheduled for Thursday, August 21st.
The burn will be located in Yosemite Valley, on the south bank of the Merced River, north of Southside Drive, west of the El Capitan Crossover Road, and east of the Bridalveil Fall area. This planned prescribed burn will total approximately 17 acres. This is the 2nd prescribed burn project to be completed in Yosemite Valley this month.
Park staff will monitor smoke on a consistent basis. However, as recently seen, smoke will accumulate in the area and is typically more abundant at night and during the early morning hours. 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.
Closures: One lane of Southside Drive west of the El Capitan Crossover Road will be closed during the burn to all but emergency and fire vehicles.
For information or concerns, please call the Prescribed Fire Information Line at 209-375-9577.</HTML>