Yosemite Fire Management will be conducting pile burning beginning November 23 in the Ahwahnee Meadow 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 near the Ahwahnee Hotel. These piles will take up to 4 days to completely burn down.
Smoke impacts are 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.