Re: Wawona N/W Prescribed Fire Update

October 15, 2008

This prescribed fire began yesterday. You may see smoke from the location, along the road, and along various road turnouts in the Wawona area. It also may be visible from other locations within and outside the Park.

Fifty acres were burned yesterday. Ignitions began at 12:00pm and were concluded at approximately 4:00pm. Fire managers will continue with the project. Mariposa County air quality officials have approved another 40 acres for today. With approvals, and cooperating weather, ignitions will continue today.

Smoke will be more visible during the day. In the morning hours within the general area of Wawona, including the campground, along the Wawona Road and the Wawona Hotel, smoke may linger more to the ground. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions to minimize smoke impacts. People with respiratory problems should use caution when exerting themselves in smoky areas.

For additional Information:

Yosemite Fire Information and Education Office: (209) 372-0489
Yosemite’s Prescribed Fire Office: (209) 375-9574 or 9576
Yosemite Fire Management Website: http://www.nps.gov/yose/fire

NPS photo

This prescribed fire is burning in heavy timber, and standing dead trees (snags). The area has not burned in over 70 years. It is burning on a north aspect and is predominately a ground fire. Consequently heavy residual smoke and natural burning of dead and down fuel will continue. The fire is now burning on very steep slopes and approximately half way down the N slope of Turner Ridge, to the Wawona Rd.

The smoke column is visible to a wide area in Madera and Mariposa Counties, and from many locations within the Park. As the fire continues to back down the slope it will near the Wawona Rd and could pose traffic hazards to due to smoke. Park traffic protection rangers will be available to assist in slowing traffic down. All drivers are to be alert to smoke signs on the road. Please slow and use caution in the area. .

Wawona Prescribed Fire Update #4 - Monday, October 20, 2008

The Wawona Prescribed Fire is complete. The fire backed to the Wawona Rd late yesterday afternoon; the established control line.

By completing this portion of the project, fire managers have tied into last fall’s Jack fire. The acreage burned in the last two years, including this portion will add significantly to the defensive space of Wawona from a fire coming out of the South Fork of the Merced River.

Five hundred acres have been treated. A few unburned islands of shrubs, grass and oak leaves remain and will smolder for a few more days. The full 616 acres of the project will probably not be attained. This prescribed fire has been burning in heavy timber, and standing dead trees (snags), and leaf litter. The area has not burned in over 70 years. Residual smoke and natural burning of dead and down fuel will continue. The smoke mixed well aloft and moved to the east and north-east. Smoke will be greatly diminished today and through the week. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions to minimize smoke impacts. People with respiratory problems should use caution when exerting themselves in smoky areas.

All drivers are to be alert to fire crews and equipment minimally mopping up along the Wawona Rd. Please slow down and use caution in the area.

Thank-you to all who have expressed interest in this fire by email and phone calls.

For additional Information:

Yosemite Fire Information and Education Office: (209) 372-0489
Yosemite’s Prescribed Fire Office: (209) 375-9574 or 9576
Yosemite Fire Management Website: http://www.nps.gov/yose/fire