yosemite south fork fire photo august 16 2017
Yosemite National Park South Fork Fire
Photo on August 16, 2017 - Credit: NPS

August 16, 2017 - Yosemite National Park South Fork Fire update: Smoke: Afternoon Update - 1:45 pm PDT - Smoke in Wawona close to the South Fork has reached UNHEALTHY levels (24-hr average for PM2.5).

Conditions are expected to improve through the afternoon, deteriorating after midnight once again.

Very light transport winds with an easterly component should result in improved conditions to the Owens Valley and gradually increasing impacts to the foothills.

Clearing in local valleys may be slower over next few days following mid-morning maximums.

Fire: Butte: Minimal activity.
Full containment expected by Thursday.

Empire/South Fork:
Not quite as active as prior days. https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/state/5/0/

Other: Return of high pressure Thursday into the weekend may lead to worsening air quality conditions through the region.

Note: AQ forecasts below reflect only particulate matter - not ozone.