Fire trucks and vehicles lined up in Yosemite National Park
Credit: NPS
November 16, 2024 - Yosemite National Park officials report fire danger has been consistently "low" over the past several days and there is more precipitation in the forecast. Seasonal firefighters have started to depart and Helicopter-551 has been released for the season. With these changes, Yosemite Fire managers have declared the fire season over as of November 15, 2024.
The end of fire season has made residential pile burning permissible. Residential pile burning is important for reducing fire hazards and can only be conducted on permissible burn days. Property owners and residents must follow all burning guidelines. For a step-by-step guide to safe pile burning, please see below.Thank you for your continued support of our fire program and for doing your part to reduce hazard fuels around your building and properties.
Yosemite National Park Residential Pile Burning Guide
Safe pile burning is an effective tool for reducing flammable vegetation and creating defensible space around your home.Follow These 3 Steps
- Ensure there are no current burn restrictions in your area. Utilize the contact list and obtain your permit, as necessary.
- Wawona, Foresta, and Aspen Valley residents are allowed to burn piles in the community without a permit.
- Yosemite West residents need a free burn permit through CAL FIRE and
are encouraged to follow this guidance. - No pile burning is allowed in Yosemite Valley (reference Yosemite Superintendent Compendium).
- If you live in an area adjacent to the park boundary that is under State Response Area, you may need to obtain a burn permit from CAL FIRE.
- Call your county burn line to ensure it is a permissible burn day.
- Prior to burning, notify Yosemite Dispatch. Be prepared to give your name and address.
Pile Requirements
- Maximum pile size is 4 feet in diameter.
- Clear all flammable material within 10 feet of the outer edge of burn pile.
- An adult must remain in attendance with a shovel until fire is dead out.
- Keep 5 gallons of water or charged hose at the burn site.
- No burning allowed when wind speeds or gusts in excess of 5 mph are present or forecast.
- Vegetation debris only can be burned (no construction material).
- Piles should be free from dirt and non‐combustible materials and burn clean to avoid smoke impacts.
Contacts
- Mariposa County Burn Line: 209-966‐1200
- Tuolumne County Burn Line 209-533‐5598
- Yosemite Dispatch 209-379‐1999
- Wawona Fire Station 209-375‐9515
- El Portal Fire Station 209-379‐1903
- Yosemite Valley Fire Station 209-372‐0416
- CAL FIRE burn permit
- Yosemite National Park Fire Restrictions
Source: NPS
