May 15, 2024 - Yosemite National Park Fire officials report Fire managers are planning to conduct prescribed burning operations on Friday, May 17, 2024, in the Wawona area. The 55 targeted acres, known as Studhorse units 1 and 2, are south of the Wawona community and two miles northwest of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. In order to maintain the safety of park visitors and allow fire management operations to be conducted, there are temporary trail closures in place. There are no anticipated road closures associated with this work.

Smoke may be present in the Wawona community and along the Wawona Road (Hwy 41) during and after all prescribed burning operations. Fire managers work closely with park staff and the local air pollution control districts to time the prescribed burns to coincide with favorable weather and smoke dispersion conditions. Smoke impacts are always a consideration in the decision to begin any prescribed burning operation. 

Last year, Yosemite fire crews successfully burned units 3, 4, and 5. Completion of the Studhorse units will enable the park to continue to prescribe burn within Mariposa Grove and reintroduce fire in the surrounding units to provide protection to the grove. Some of the first prescribed burns in Yosemite occurred in the Studhorse area in the 1970s. 

Thank you for your continued support.

Source: NPS