The National Park Service is currently conducting a prescribed fire in the Foresta area in Yosemite National Park. The proposed total burn area is about 75 acres.

As of June 9, 2008 approximately 36 acres have been burned. Yosemite fire staff burned approximately 36 acres adjacent to Foresta between June 5 and June 8, 2008. Changing weather conditions and heavy fuels close to the community slowed progress over the weekend. However, fire managers hope to continue the burn this week, conditions permitting.

Smoke dispersal has generally been with good, with mild to moderate smoke in Foresta and Yosemite Valley. Conditions are expected to remain generally good with areas of smoke localized smoke as the burn continues. People with respiratory problems should use caution when exerting themselves in smoky areas.

A specific goal of this project is to provide community protection to Foresta by reducing unnatural fuel loads. This project is strategically located adjacent to homes in the community, which provides protection from fire originating in the Merced River canyon.

The intended burn units are comprised primarily of ponderosa pine, meadow, and manzanita. The Foresta area burned during the 1990 A-Rock fire, with 45 structures lost. There are approximately 100 residents and vacation renters in the Foresta area.

Yosemite’s Fire Information Office at 209/372-0480. Additional updates about the proposed burn will be available at www.inciweb.org or on the park’s website at http://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.