Fire Danger in Yosemite: Here’s How to Be Fire Safe in California’s Most Popular National Park

Yosemite National Park officials have announced that due to a lack of precipitation and consistently high temperatures, the danger of wildfire in much of the park has reached dangerous levels, particularly at lower elevations.

There are currently 6 lighting-caused wildfires burning in the park, which not only pose a threat to visitors and emergency personnel in the park, but also cause smoke related issues for visitors and staff.

In lieu of the current fire-prone conditions in Yosemite, National Park officials have released these tips to stay fire safe in the park:

Visitor Safety Tips During Fire Season:

• Monitor Weather Conditions: Be aware of changing weather, such as approaching thunderstorms, and be prepared to adjust your activities accordingly.
• Know Your Surroundings: Familiarize yourself with the park’s layout. Understand where you are and how to exit via trails or roads.

Preventing Human-Caused Wildfires:

• Campfires: Only build campfires in designated areas like fire rings. Ensure they are fully extinguished before leaving; the fire should be cold to the touch. Never leave a burning or smoldering campfire unattended.
• Cooking Safety: Clear cooking areas of grasses and other flammable plants. Ensure stoves are stable to prevent tipping and potential fire starts.

Fire Management Efforts:

Fire management in Yosemite is a year-round effort. Firefighters not only respond to active wildfires but also engage in extensive preparation to mitigate wildfire effects. This includes:

• Creating Defensible Space: Clearing areas around properties to protect them from encroaching fires.
• Managing Vegetation: Cutting and piling dead and downed trees.
• Prescribed Burns: Conducting low-intensity burns to reduce available fuels that could ignite during a wildfire.

Visitors can show appreciation for this hard work by practicing wildfire precautions and fire preparedness all year long. Let’s all do our part to keep Yosemite safe and beautiful.

For more information and updates on wildfire safety in Yosemite National Park, go here.