| The North Mountain Fire is located in Tuolumne County and began on Saturday, June 21,
2008 in the Stanislaus National Forest. It is burning in the area near North Mountain and along the northern side of the
Tuolumne River. It is currently about 2,750 acres, including approximately 750 acres in Yosemite National Park west of
the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. Initial containment was hampered by a lack of crew resources, but good progress is being
made now on the north and east flanks, where the fire continues to spread slowly into the park. The entire fire area is
within the 1996 Ackerson Fire footprint. In the park, the current effects of the fire are desirable as they help create
and maintain forest diversity. Prescribed burning done jointly between the U.S. Forest Service and the National Park
Service prior to the Ackerson Fire left a considerable amount of intact timber in this area and the current fire is
burning primarily in the understory, maintaining positive ecosystem conditions. The Blue Fire is
located in Mariposa County. It is burning along Yosemite Creek approximately 3/4 of a mile north of the confluence of
Blue Jay Creek and Yosemite Creek. The park is currently using natural barriers to contain the fire at less than 10
acres. Visitors and residents may see smoke from this fire from the Tioga Road.
There are currently no closures in Yosemite National Park due to either fire. Areas of smoke may exist due to the
cumulative effects of fires in the area.
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. Areas of smoke may limit
visibility and drivers are advised to watch for equipment and personnel on roadways. |
