Yosemite Park - Wawona Prescribed Fire Update #4

Yosemite National Park - Wawona Prescribed Fire Update #4
Monday, October 20, 2008

Wawona Prescribed Fire

The Wawona Prescribed Fire is complete. The fire backed to the Wawona Rd late yesterday afternoon; the established control line. By completing this portion of the project, fire managers have tied into last fall’s Jack fire. The acreage burned in the last two years, including this portion will add significantly to the defensive space of Wawona from a fire coming out of the South Fork of the Merced River.
Five hundred acres have been treated. A few unburned islands of shrubs, grass and oak leaves remain and will smolder for a few more days. The full 616 acres of the project will probably not be attained.
This prescribed fire has been burning in heavy timber, and standing dead trees (snags), and leaf litter. The area has not burned in over 70 years. Residual smoke and natural burning of dead and down fuel will continue. The smoke mixed well aloft and moved to the east and north-east. Smoke will be greatly diminished today and through the week. Residents and visitors are advised to take precautions to minimize smoke impacts. People with respiratory problems should use caution when exerting themselves in smoky areas.
All drivers are to be alert to fire crews and equipment minimally mopping up along the Wawona Rd. Please slow down and use caution in the area.

For additional Information:
Yosemite Fire Information and Education Office: (209) 372-0489
Yosemite’s Prescribed Fire Office: (209) 375-9574 or 9576