CA-YNP Lakes Fire - Yosemite Fire Update [Map]

Yosemite Fires

Update 9-12-16: CA-YNP LAKES 

Location: 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.  Please reference the trail segment marked on the accompanying map.

AHWAHNEE MEADOW – Prescribed Burn

            Mariposa County

Yosemite National Park fire managers are planning a 62 acre Ahwahnee Meadow prescribed burn the week of September 12, 2016.  Ignition will take approximately one day and an additional two to four days of active burn down.

Smoke will be present during the prescribed fire and in Yosemite Valley.  Fire managers are working with the Mariposa County Air Pollution Control District (MCAPCD) to time the project to coincide with favorable weather and smoke dispersion conditions. Smoke, affecting health, is always a consideration in the decision to schedule prescribed fires.  A burn permit has been issued to Yosemite National Park by MCAPCD.  Community members 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 their exposure

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Yosemite Fire Lakes Fire Map – September 9, 2016

Update 9-6-16:
Location: 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.  Yosemite Crew 1 personnel hiked into the fire on September 6, 2016 and reported it to be 280 acres.  The fire had previously spread to the area of the 1999 Chil Fire area and is now most active on the northwest and west edge of the perimeter.  Smoke is visible from various locations within the park and surrounding area.

The Superintendent signed a trail closure effective August 25, 2016, as the fire had crossed the trail along Chilnualna Creek.  Please reference the trail segment marked on the accompanying map.

The Lakes Fire was initially confirmed on July 7, 2016 when Crew 1 personnel responded to reports of smoke in the area.  The fire is believed to be a lightning hold over from June 12, 2016. 

Lightning fires are a natural occurrence and play a vital role in shaping this fire dependent ecosystem.  Each year, lightning strikes may result in multiple fires in Yosemite’s wilderness.  By managing these fires for resource benefit, as opposed to suppressing them, we can ensure a healthier, more diverse and natural forest where future fires will burn with less intensity.

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