Yosemite, CA…The Empire Fire is being managed for both resource and protection objectives. It is approximately 1 mile south of the Bridalveil Campground east of Alder Creek drainage and west of Bridalveil Creek drainage, burning in Red fir. Fire behavior has been actively flanking and backing with some single and group tree torching. The fire is burning in heavy pockets of dead and down timber, reducing fuels buildup which increases forest resiliency. Projected fire growth is expected in the northeast and southeast flanks.

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The affected area is in a fire-adapted wilderness. Allowing fires to burn naturally can result in healthier, more diverse ecosystems. Reducing fuels buildup minimizes the potential for future severe fires. Although the current fire may have transient, moderate smoke impacts, more severe fires can cause unhealthy levels of smoke for extended periods, over a much wider area.

Trails are closed from Bridalveil Creek Campground at the second junction with the Ostrander trail and from Westfall Meadow to the Turner junction, along Alder Creek. Bridalveil Trail to Turner Meadow Juction is closed. Bridalveil Creek Campground is open today; please check with Yosemite National Park Camp Ground Reservations for further information.

The fire will be visible from the high country and may be seen from multiple viewpoints in the immediate area off Glacier Point Road including Sentinel and Washburn Points. Travelers should be cautious of smoke along road.

Fire Managers are working with the local Air Quality Districts and will be monitoring smoke impacts to the park and local communities. Community members who are sensitive to smoke may want to close their windows and doors and monitor the air quality links below.

For additional Information:

Fire Information: Yose_Fire_Info@nps.gov
Yosemite National Park Fire Information website: http://www.nps.gov/yose/blogs/fireinfo.htm
Facebook: Search– Yosemite Fire and Aviation: @YosemiteFire
Twitter: Search @YosemiteFire https://twitter.com/YosemiteFire
Air Quality: https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/nature/aqmonitoring.htm

Location: N 37° 38′ 40″ x W 119° 37′ 6″ at approximately 7300 feet elevation

Discovery Date: July 31st, 2017
Size: 2,230 acres
Cause: Lightning