YOSEMITE – A fire burning in the backcounty in Yosemite National Park is putting up a lot of smoke and is visible from many locations in Eastern Madera County.
The fire was reported on Sunday, Sept. 7, and started as a spot fire from the Meadow Fire, which was lightning-caused, and was first reported on July 20.
The Meadow Fire is northeast of Mount Starr King and south of Starr King Meadow. It has been creeping through red fir and lodgepole pine, and is surrounded by granite knobs. It is visible from many park locations, and in particular, Glacier Point.
This new fire was last estimated at 20 acres.
Backpackers and hikers in the area of Little Yosemite Valley, where the fire is burning, are being told to evacuate for their own safety. The High Sierra Camps had already closed for the season as of today. No other facilities in the park are being affected by the fire. (map shows the location of the Meadow Fire. Today’s fire is a spot from this incident)
Six helicopters and one Air Attack are working the fire, and six Type 1 Hot Shot crews are enroute. The Little Yosemite Valley is located above Nevada Fall, and is a small, narrow canyon. Fixed-wing aircraft will likely not be utilized in this situation.
Though there is a lot of smoke visible at this point, activities within the park and surrounding areas should not be affected by this backcountry incident.
(photo from www.yosemiteconservancy.org webcam)
