Fires in Yosemite causing smoke

Weeks-old lightning fires have flamed back up in Yosemite National Park because of the recent heat wave, and are generating heavy smoke in the park and beyond.

The two wildfires caused a haze in the park and smoke that could be seen in El Portal through the weekend and into Tuesday, Yosemite spokesman Scott Gediman said.
   

The smoke also drifted into Mariposa, said Dr. Charles Mosher, Mariposa County health officer.

“You can smell it now in town,” Mosher said.

Mosher urged people to go indoors and turn air conditioners on recycle if the smoke inhalation becomes a nuisance.

Kenny Karst, spokesman for DNC Parks and Resorts at Yosemite, said there hasn’t been an increase in cancellations of lodging accommodations due to the smoke.

“We’re still seeing healthy visitation,” Karst said. “We’re pretty much sold out for the July 4 weekend.”

The Grouse Fire, burning about seven miles southwest of Yosemite Valley and just north of Glacier Point Road, had scorched about 300 acres as of Tuesday, according to the fire report.

The fire originally ignited May 30 from lightning strikes, according to the report. There’s a possibility of a temporary road closure along Glacier Point Road.

About 150 fire personnel are managing the blaze, which is expected to be contained by July 11.

The Harden Fire, located on the north side of the park, west of Harden Lake and northwest of White Wolf, had scorched about 111 acres as of Tuesday. The fire is burning mostly brush and red fir trees.

The Harden Fire is responsible for the smoke that’s drifted into El Portal and parts of Mariposa County over recent days, Gediman said.

Helicopters are being used for water drops and fire lines are being established on the Grouse Fire, according to the report. Fire lines are also being cut on the Harden Fire.

Both fires are being managed rather than aggressively put out.

“They’re burning now for resource benefits,” Gediman said.