Avalanche Fire, Yosemite Fires - Update #11 – August 12, 2011

Avalanche Fire, Yosemite Fires - Update #11 – August 12, 2011

Avalanche Fire: (37 39.794 x 119 42.238; 6,400’el. Mariposa Co.)  This lightning caused fire has been burning in Yosemite National Park since it was discovered on the afternoon of July 31, 2011.  The fire was observed during a reconnaissance flight near Avalanche Creek and Glacier Point Road within Yosemite’s congressionally designated wilderness area.  The fire is at 715 acres.   At present the fire continues to be managed for multiple objectives including resource values, community protection and firefighter safety.  The fire could potentially grow to 5,800 acres.

Smoke is visible from the Valley, Glacier Point Road and in the direction of transport winds. Park fire managers and firefighters are sensitive to smoke, visitation, and human health concerns and are therefore diligently timing burning operations to coincide with optimal smoke dispersion.  The park is collaborating with the Mariposa County Air Pollution Control District (MCAPCD) by communicating daily concerning potential air quality impacts, mitigations, and to support each agency’s responsibility to public health.