YOSEMITE — The Empire Fire, burning in the wilderness area of Yosemite National Park southeast of Bridalveil Campground, is now estimated at 1,200 acres.
Smoke from the fire — along with smoke from the South Fork Fire near Wawona — continues to obscure views inside the park, particularly in the morning hours.
There are currently 33 personnel assigned to the incident, who are continuing to improve hand lines where necessary and conduct firing operations as needed along existing lines.
The southwest side of the fire continues to work its way south along Alder Creek Drainage.
Trails are closed from Bridalveil Creek campground to the second junction with the Ostrander trail. Also the trail from Westfall Meadow to the Deer Camp junction along Alder Creek remains closed. Signs are placed at the affected trails. (See map below for trail closures).
There are no threats at this time to infrastructure at Bridalveil Campground and the remainder of hiking trails in the area remain open.
The fire is burning in red fir timber, dormant brush and hardwood slash, with pockets of green leaf manzanita and chinquapin brush as well as heavy dead and down material.
Yosemite National Park fire and aviation crews have responded to multiple lightning-caused wildfires located within the park boundary in recent weeks. Lightning-caused wildfires are a common occurrence, with a total of 10 since July 31.
Fire Managers are working with the local Air Quality Districts and will continually be monitoring smoke impacts to the park and local communities. Community members who are sensitive to smoke may want to close their windows and doors and continually monitor the attached air quality links.
Empire Fire: N 37° 38.673′ x W 119° 37.096′ at approximately 7,300 feet elevation.
For additional Information:
Fire Information: Yose_Fire_Info@nps.gov
Yosemite National Park Fire Information website: http://www.nps.gov/yose/blogs/fireinfo.htm
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Yosemite-Wildland-Fire/124632964255395
Twitter: https://twitter.com/YosemiteFire
Air Quality: https://www.nps.gov/yose/learn/nature/aqmonitoring.htm
