June 7, 2023 - Yosemite Fire will be conducting machine pile burning operations along Southside Drive in Yosemite Valley this Thursday and Friday. This is part of the Valley Forest Restoration Project where small trees and dead and downed material is being removed to facilitate regular prescribed fire, encourage black oak regeneration, expand meadowlands, improve wildlife habitat, and enhance cultural landscapes.

During burning operations, a section of the Valley Loop Trail will be closed from just west of El Capitan Crossover near Cathedral Rocks heading east until the Four Mile Trail junction (Units YV-11 & YV-16). Smoke will be seen in some parts of the Valley, and there will be occasional single lane closures on Southside Drive.

Air quality information can be found online at https://fire.airnow.gov/


Source: NPS