Yosemite, CA…The 2016 fire season officially begins Monday June 6, 2016. Fire crews have completed all training, fire refreshers and fitness tests and all stations are staffed. The NPS has transitioned to fire season preparedness and fire resources will be available seven days per week for suppression efforts. Park fire resources for the season include: fire management officials, four Type 3 wildland engines, one helicopter, and one hand crew.  In preparation for the fire season, the park will begin defensible space inspections throughout Yosemite’s communities, including Aspen Valley, Hodgdon Meadows, Foresta, El Portal, Yosemite Valley, and Wawona beginning Monday, June 6.

Grasses and other vegetation at the lower elevations have begun to dry out. Residents and homeowners are urged to clear a defensible space of 100 feet or to property lines around homes and other structures in an effort to reduce the risk of fire hazards.

With the official declaration of fire season, pile burning will be discontinued throughout the park until further notice.

Yosemite National Park urges local residents and visitors to “Please be Fire Safe,” when residing and visiting the park and other public lands.

Special attention should be given when departing campgrounds, backcountry camping sites, and picnic areas to make sure all campfires have been extinguished with water, mixed with ashes and are out on departure.

For more information about fire in Yosemite National Park, please visit:

For additional Information

• Fire Information: gary_wuchner@nps.gov; 209.372-0459; and nancy_phillipe@nps.gov, 209.379.1188.

• Yosemite National Park Web page: http://www.nps.gov/yose/blogs/fireinfo.htm

• For Yosemite air quality: www.nps.gov/yose/naturescience/aqmonitoring.htm

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• Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/YosemiteFire