Ahwahnee Meadow Pile Burning (November 23, 2020 update)

November 24, 2020 Posted by: Yosemite Fire Information

Yosemite Fire Management plans to conduct pile burning in the Ahwahnee Meadow beginning on or about November 30. Pile burning will continue as conditions permit.

Burning piles is an efficient and effective way to reduce excessive fuel build-up on the landscape. Piles in the Ahwahnee Meadow are remnants of mechanical thinning from ongoing scenic vista restoration projects and hazard fuel reduction near the Ahwahnee Hotel. The piles will take up to 4 days to completely burn down.   

Smoke dispersion is a consideration in all decisions to ignite prescribed fires. Smoke from burning piles will be present until each pile is completely consumed.  Smoke impacts are expected to be for a short duration. Fire personnel will monitor fire behavior and smoke dispersion during the entire operation and take action to curb smoke production if air quality reaches unhealthy levels.     

Previously planned pile burning did not occur because of poor smoke dispersion and unfavorable weather conditions.