Burning just a mile away from the majestic Bridal Veil Campground in Yosemite National Park, the #EmpireFire is steadily growing and is making breathing difficult for some backcountry campers.
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The fire, whose smoke is being amplified by the nearby Detweiler Fire, has turned Yosemite into a veritable smog chamber over the past week and it’s going to be a while before the air clears. This particular fire was started by an apparent lightning strike on July 31st and has been burning ever since. So far, crews are simply observing the 147 acre fire, allowing the blaze to burn naturally.
MT @YosemiteFire is managing #EmpireFire in wilderness for multiple objectives, currently 147 acres, smoke will be seen in the area
— NPS Fire & Aviation (@FireAviationNPS) August 2, 2017
Meanwhile the #DetweilerFire is coming close to its terminus. The last report from Cal Fire indicated that the fire has claimed 81,826 acres but is 95% contained. All in all the fire has decimated 63 homes, 67 minor structures, as well as 1 commercial building.
#DetwilerFire [update] northeast of Merced (Mariposa County) is now 78,900 acres and 65% contained. https://t.co/zBoyaN9sl1 pic.twitter.com/soTjGtmAkm
— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) July 25, 2017
Full Release:
Yosemite is currently managing the Empire Fire for multiple objectives. It is a lightning cause fire started on July 31st, located in Yosemite’s Wilderness 1 mile south of Bridalveil campground and between the Alder Creek and Bridalveil Trails. Crews are on scene monitoring the fire. It is currently 147 acres burning in thick needle duff and red fir over story with dead and down red fir. The wilderness area of the Empire Fire is a fire adapted forest ecosystem. By allowing fire to burn naturally we can ensure a healthier, more diverse and natural forest. Most importantly managing fires under the right conditions can reduce fuels and thereafter reduce the intensity of future fires.
There is no threat to the Bridalveil campground and crews are currently assessing trail systems in the area. Smoke will be seen over the fire, in the Park’s high country, and local communities.
Find out more here:Â @YosemiteFire