Yosemite, CA…Ignition of the 62 acre prescribed burn at Ahwahnee Meadow began today; a total of 50 acres were completed. The remaining 12 acres will be scheduled for ignition tomorrow morning, Tuesday September 13, 2016. Smoke will be present during burning operations. Smoke, affecting health, is always a consideration in the decision to schedule prescribed fires. Community members and visitors who are sensitive to smoke may want to close their windows and doors and/or consider leaving the area during active ignition of the project in order to reduce exposure.

The objective of this prescribed burn is ecosystem restoration. Historically, natural fire burned an average of 16,000 acres annually in Yosemite National Park and played an integral role in shaping Yosemite’s ecosystem. Yosemite’s Fire Management program is designed to balance the protection of life, property and natural and cultural resources with the continuation of fire as a nature process. Applying fire under prescribed conditions mimics the frequent, low intensity, lightning caused fires. Fire also allows for the recycling of nutrients to the soil, which encourages the germination and regrowth of plants, shrubs, and trees.

LAKES – 37 35.6 x 119 33.6 approximate 8000 feet elevation
Mariposa County

The Lakes Fire in the Chilnualna Lakes area, between Turner Meadow and Buena Vista Peak, is a lightning caused fire that is being managed for multiple objectives. An aerial flight was performed on September 10, 2016 and the fire was reported to be 755 acres in size. The fire had previously spread to the area of the 1999 Chil Fire area and is most active on the northwest and west edge of the perimeter. Smoke has been visible from various locations within the park and surrounding area.

Yosemite National Park Superintendent, Don Neubacher, signed a trail closure effective August 25, 2016, as the fire had crossed the trail along Chilnualna Creek.