Yosemite National Park Fire Managers are planning a prescribed fire in Big Meadow in the community of Foresta next Wednesday Aug. 26, 2009. The total burn area will include 90 acres, pending weather conditions and air quality. Yosemite Fire Crews have been preparing the meadow for the last few weeks around structures and other infrastructure within the proposed burn area. Fire engines, water tenders, and hand crews will be present during all fire activity.
It is estimated the burn will take one day to complete and another few days to mop-up hot spots and to ensure the fire does not escape the defined fire perimeter. Weather in the area is expected to be cooler this weekend, with a slight chance of rain.
The burning will begin on Wednesday, pending it is deemed a “burn day," to provide optimum smoke dispersal. Smoke impacts will be monitored in and around the community of Foresta.
The Big Meadow burn is the first re-entry prescribed fire in the meadow since the A Rock fire of 1990. The objectives of the project include community fire protection, meadow and forest restoration, and protection of cultural and other natural resources.
For additional information please call the Yosemite Fire Information and Education Office at (209) 375-9574 or 372-0480; the Prescribed Fire Office at (209) 375-9576; or visit www.nps.gov/yose/fire.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
