Over the last month and a half, lightning has ignited several wildland fires within the wilderness of Yosemite National Park. Under the Federal Wildland Fire Policy, these fires are being managed for resource benefits as part of a nationwide effort to restore fire's natural and vital role in ecosystems. Fire management personnel are monitoring these fires by air and with ground patrols. Suppression actions will be taken if any fire is predicted to threaten visitor safety or developed areas. Otherwise, the fires will be allowed to continue burning until extinguished by natural events such as rain, snow, or lack of fuel.
Natural fire is an integral part of the ecosystem and maintains a healthy forest.
Fires produce many benefits including recycling important nutrients into the soil, decreasing catastrophic fires, and providing new habitat for wildlife. Visitors may encounter light smoke in areas near these fires. During morning and evening hours, smoke may be more visible in the lower elevations, such as Yosemite Valley. These conditions may obscure park vistas. Visitors with respiratory problems may need to use caution when exerting themselves in smoky areas.