2009 Fire Overview: On Oct. 16, 2009, Yosemite National Park announced the end of its 2009 fire season. That week, Yosemite experienced measurable precipitation. The rainfall measurement, from park weather stations, varied from 9 inches of rain in the Mariposa Grove, to approximately 8 inches of rain in Wawona, to 5.5 inches of rain in Yosemite Valley. Closure of the fire season occurs when there is a season-ending precipitation event totaling two inches or more. (Historically, there is a 90% chance that Yosemite will have a season-ending weather event by Oct. 31.) Helicopter 551, Yosemite’s helicopter that is contracted for the fire season, has left the park.
Big Meadow: The Big Meadow Fire, in Foresta, began on Aug. 26; the cause was an escaped prescribed fire. It was 100% contained Sept. 10 with 7,425 burned acres. Follow a Big Meadow Fire summary, including 12 talking points from a scientist's viewpoint, and see photographs.
