Fires continue to burn in Yosemite

(Updated: Thursday, July 09, 2009, 6:20 PM)

Fires continue to burn in Yosemite National Park

While thousands of visitors came to experience the beauty of Yosemite National Park July 4, some were met with smoke and temporary road closures due to two fires set by lightening strikes.

The Grouse Fire, located three miles southwest of Yosemite Valley and north of Glacier Point Road, is 2,300 acres and 50% contained. The Harden Fire on the north side of the park, west of Harden Lake and northwest of White Wolf is currently 1,594 acres and 75% contained.

On the Grouse Fire, personnel are working to limit fire spread to an area east of the Wawona Road and north of Glacier Point Road.

Due to fire activity near Wawona Road on Saturday, it was necessary to limit traffic to one lane during a part of the day to ensure safety for firefighters and for park visitors. The day's operations included conducting management ignitions and reinforcing containment lines to hold the fire within the established boundaries.

On the Harden Fire, personnel continue to strengthen containment lines. The fire has reached 95% of the anticipated acreage that managers planned for the incident.

"We are pleased with the results from this fire," said Corky Conover, Harden Fire Incident Commander. "While it is not always possible to manage fires early in the season, this year's conditions provided an opportunity to work with this fire within a defined area to meet many resource objectives."

These objectives include restoring fire-dependent forest systems, managing smoke production, protecting wildlife habitat and preserving cultural and natural resources.

Personnel are working diligently to complete work on containment lines before there is a significant change in the weather early next week. Weather forecasters advise fire officials that several low-pressure systems are heading toward the area, which may bring cooler temperatures and possible strong winds.

Even though the percentage contained is increasing and the fires are reaching the boundaries that managers set for the incidents, the fires are not out yet. Fire activity will continue within the perimeter for some time.

Park officials continue to monitor smoke and work closely with Mariposa and Tuolumne County Air Pollution Control Districts to address air-quality concerns. Smoky conditions may exist late evening and early morning within the park, and in surrounding areas. Travelers are advised of temporary road delays and closures, due to smoke and firefighters working along the Wawona Road and the Glacier Point Road. Travelers will see fire and smoke along the roads. For firefighter and driver safety, please use caution.

Several trails are closed because of the fire: Smith Meadow to White Wolf and Aspen Valley to White Wolf; There is an alternate route to Pate Valley from White Wolf, which bypasses the Harden Lake area.

For additional information, please call (209) 375-9574 or visit www.nps.gov/yose.