Fire????

[Michelle]

Okay walked outside and seen it smokey and my eyes are burning I live off of 417 coarsegold... does anyone know if there is a fire going on some place.................

Thanks
Michelle

[only1alphafemale]

Same thing here in North Fork, very smokey and its haging in the air ~ I havent heard any sirens going past our area though...?

I did catch a blurb last night on then news about a couple of fires bringing smoke into the Fresno area, so maybe thats reaching us ?

[dorseygirl]

The Bee said they are starting back fires for the "Hidden" fire in Kings Canyon/Sequioa park??

[monkey]

Looking north out of my front window, I see what looks like a big amount of smoke coming from up Yosemite way. Anyone know anything?

[monkey]

I think it must be a prescribed burn in Wawona:
Fall Prescribed Burn Update
October 14, 2008

The National Park Service is continuing with the prescribed fire project near the community of Wawona. Ignitions will begin today. The 1000 acre project is divided in two segments: A and B. The burning will begin slowly, with 50 acres/per day having been approved, based on predicted weather conditions. Ignitions will proceed throughout the week as the weather conditions remain conducive for burning.

Segment A will begin first, near the top of Turner Ridge. A small test fire was started few days ago to test for receptiveness of the fuels to ignite. Ignitions will continue slowly to minimize smoke impacts through the 600 acres of this unit. In the evening hours the glow from the fire will be visible to drivers along the Wawona Rd.

The primary objective of this burn is for defensible fire space in the Wildland Urban Interface for the community of Wawona, including the Wawona Hotel and campground. The burn will tie into the 2007, Jack Fire, and other recent prescribed fires conducted in the area.

For the safety of the public and firefighters, the Alder Creek Trail, in segment A, may be closed, as needed (access from Wawona Hwy and Chilnualna Falls Rd). Trail closure notification will be made by email, the wilderness permit office, and Yosemite Web page and trailhead signs.

Both segments are comprised primarily of ponderosa pine and other mixed conifers. Fire has a natural role in maintaining healthy ecosystems in Yosemite. Prescribed fire is designed to thin forests and reduce unnatural fuel loads in areas that are in close proximity to public and private structures as well as visitor use areas. This prescribed fire will create a mosaic of diverse habitats for plants and animals. Fire helps recycle nutrients to the soil which aids the sprouting and re-growth of plants, shrubs, and trees.

Park staff will monitor smoke on a consistent basis; however smoky conditions may exist for the duration of this project, particularly in the morning, and continue for several days. Smoke impacts to the roadways (Wawona Rd., Chilnualna Rd and residential streets) in the area may occur. Drivers should use extreme caution and abide by posted speed limits.

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.

[dorseygirl]

This is what I heard this afternoon - that there was a prescribed burn in Yosemite.

[Mysteefied]

Does anyone know where the fire is? I see so much smoke today, it was really smoky when I came into work this mornng too.

[yosemitewriter]

They are burning quite a few acres up in the Wawona area, so that is most likely where the smoke is coming from.

[Dodgergirl]

I noticed that too.., when I went out to feed the chickens this morning the air was really smoky, but I couldn't tell where it was coming from.

[Mysteefied]

I was just informed by a customer that there is a huge fire in YLP. He said they have lots of fire trucks, dozers, ect.

I hope everyone is ok!