May 7, 2023 - Yosemite National Park fire information officials report Fire crews spent last week burning piles in Yosemite Valley around the El Captain Picnic Area as well as some piles along Southside Drive. Approximately 200 piles were complete and are in a patrol status now. 

Beginning Monday, May 8, 2023 fire crews plan to start burning piles along Forest Drive in the community of Wawona. Weather conditions permitting, burning may resume again in the Studhorse unit as well; this is the area south of the Wawona Hotel.

The previous firing operations that took place on April 19, 2023 burned approximately 90 acres of the 150 acre unit. 

Weather is one of the key factors in determining the right conditions for a safe and productive burning operation. Fire management will be monitoring conditions and more information will be shared this week.  


Firefighters in the El Capitan Picnic Area igniting multiple burn piles. Photo Credit: NPS
Source: NPS