Yosemite, CA…There are multiple fires burning in Yosemite National Park’s wilderness. Showers and thunderstorms are possible each afternoon and evening through Tuesday, with a slight increase in temperature and lower relative humidities. Gusty and erratic winds are possible with any thunderstorm that develops.

Smoke will be moderate throughout the Yosemite area, except for Wawona, today as the Railroad fire winds down. Winds from a more southerly direction could bring light smoke north into Yosemite NP from the Railroad Fire, combining with smoke from South Fork and Empire Fires. These impacts will likely be moderate and mostly transient; dense smoke not expected. Dispersion will decrease slightly today and tomorrow, with possible thunderstorms this afternoon. 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, limit outdoor activity, and monitor the air quality forecast linked below for changes to the forecasted patterns.

https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/2017/CentralSierraFires#Area2

https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/nature/aqmonitoring.htm

https://app.airsis.com/USFS/UnitMap?custId=11&unitId=1011&isHistoric=False

Railroad fire is 12,407 acres and 75% contained. Fire managers are urging the public to drive with caution on Hwy 41 as a large firefighting presence remains along the hwy. All evacuation orders have been lifted. For more information :https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5553/

South Fork

Discovered: 8/13/17

Location: .75 miles east of the community of Wawona

Size: 6,740 acres Cause: Unknown Containment: 47% Fuels: Mixed conifer and red fir

Fire remains quiet near the community of Wawona on the west and south flank of the fire. Sections of the north flank and the entire east flank are continuing to burn in the wilderness.

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5502/

Empire

Discovered: 8/1/17 Location: 1 mile east of Yosemite Ski and Snowboard Area and 3/4 mile south of Glacier Point Road

Size: 5,787 acres Cause: Lightning Containment: 55% Fuels: Red fir
Fire activity increased yesterday due to a strategic burning operation near Glacier Point road between Ostrander trailhead and Mono Meadow trailhead. This activity will continue today to tie the northern flank of the fire to Glacier Point Road. Glacier Point Road remains closed until further notice due to fire operations.

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5475/

Starr King
Discovered: 8/2/17

Location: N 37° 42.965′ x W 119° 29.588′ at approximately 7800 feet elevation

Size: 60 acres Cause: Lightning Spread Potential: Low/ Moderate
Fuels: Red fir/ Lodgepole Strategy: Monitor

Fire personnel have secured the northern edge of the fire which will prevent fire from entering steep slopes down into Little Yosemite Valley. Fire continues to back towards the Cascade Cliff area. Smoke will be visible from the high country.
Rattlesnake

Discovered: 9/7/17

Location: Hwy 120/Big Oak Flat Rd. at Foresta Rd.

Size: 15 ac. Cause: RV/ Vehicle fire Containment: 100% Fuels: Grass mixed shrubs

The fire started due to an RV catching fire and spreading north into the old Big Meadow burn scar which helped limit its spread. Yosemite fire crews will be checking this fire.