Yosemite Declares Fire Season Over, Allows Residential Pile Burning

Yosemite National Park officials have declared the 2024 fire season officially over as of November 15, thanks to consistently low fire danger and continued precipitation in the forecast. Seasonal firefighters have begun departing, and Helicopter-551 has been released for the season, marking the end of wildfire operations for the year.

With fire season behind us, residents in and around Yosemite can now conduct residential pile burning, a critical practice for reducing fire hazards and creating defensible space around homes. However, burning is only allowed on permissible burn days, and property owners must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure safety and minimize environmental impact.

Guidelines for Safe Pile Burning

Residents in Wawona, Foresta, and Aspen Valley can burn piles without a permit, while Yosemite West residents must obtain a free burn permit through CAL FIRE. Burning is not permitted in Yosemite Valley. Before burning, residents must confirm it is a permissible burn day by contacting their county burn line and notify Yosemite Dispatch.

Key requirements include:

• Piles must not exceed 4 feet in diameter.
• Flammable material must be cleared within 10 feet of the pile.
• An adult with a shovel must remain on-site until the fire is fully extinguished.
• A water source, such as a charged hose or 5 gallons of water, must be available.
• Burning is prohibited during high winds (above 5 mph) or when non-vegetation materials are present.

For additional details and contacts, visit the Yosemite National Park website or consult the full burning guide. By following these guidelines, residents can help maintain fire safety throughout the offseason.