Prescribed Fire Information - Yosemite West: Update #3

Yosemite West - GeoMac Map of Yosemite West Prescribed Fire location

U.S. Department of the Interior

Prescribed Fire Information Update #3

Yosemite West: PW-17, Segment E

October 18, 2007

The Yosemite West prescribed fire began October 9, at 9:30 AM. Units B and C ignitions were completed

October 11. Approximately 250 acres were treated (burned) with good fuel consumption of the dead and down,

forest litter and other unwanted trees and brush.

Fire crews began burning Segment E, approximately 650 acres, on Tuesday morning, October 15. Today,

approximately 450 acres have been burned in this unit. The perimeter of this large unit was burned earlier this

week and all that is left is the interior of Segment E. Due to north to northeast winds driving a high altitude

band of smoke to the southwest, ignition of the burn was stopped as of 3:30PM today. The smoke band was

visible inside of the Park and throughout the region, including the cities of Oakhurst and Mariposa.

The smoke may settle into the South Fork of the Merced River basin with cooler night time temperatures, but will

be transported out of the area as a storm front approaches the area and winds scour-out residual smoke.

These winds are ahead of a predicted frontal system which could bring .15 of an inch of rain to the burn area. The

frontal system is predicted to arrive tomorrow afternoon, Friday, October 19, and move through the area by mid-

morning on Saturday.

Smoky conditions have existed in the burn area and will continue to exist through the burn project. The predicted

weather system will reduce the settling of smoke in the area as it mixes with the air and lifts out of the area.

Minimal smoke may exist along the Wawona Rd (Hwy 41). All drivers are to continue to pay special

attention to instructions provided by Yosemite's Traffic Control Officers, and obey posted speed signs. No

traffic delays are predicted. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions to minimize smoke impacts to

health. People with respiratory problems should use caution when exerting themselves in smoky areas.

This burn is important to the Park and the community of Yosemite West for defensible space. This area has

not had any fire in recorded history, resulting in large accumulations of dead and down large tree fuels. Standing

dead trees (snags), those valued for wildlife habitat, were protected by fire crews in their pre-burn preparation and

during the burning operation. Other cultural prehistoric and historic values were also identified and protected

throughout the burn. The area has significant logging history dating to the late 1920's and early 1930's, with

many small gauge railroad rights of way, cables and other associated debris.

Other fire activity in the Park includes pile burning along the Wawona Rd, south of Yosemite West, and in the

community of Foresta. A reconnaissance helicopter flight was made over all pervious wilderness fires (Bald,

Grant and Babcock) and no visible smoke was observed. These high altitude fire areas were also covered by

snow.

For additional information or concerns, please call the Fire Information Line at (209) 372-0480 or our Prescribed

Fire Office at (209) 375-9574/9576.

Mariposa County Health Department: (209) 966-2220 Fax: (209) 966-8248