P.O. Box 577
Yosemite, CA 95389
www.nps.gov/yose/news

209 372-0529 phone
209 372-0371 fax

August 26, 2002
For Immediate Release

Fire Ecology Walks to Wolf Fire in Yosemite National Park

An interpretive park ranger and a wildland firefighter are leading two-hour walks focusing on fire ecology to an active fire in Yosemite National Park. The purpose of the walk is to challenge visitor's perceptions about wildland fire and to demonstrate a dynamic forest process.

The walk takes visitors to the lightening caused Wolf Fire. It is located .2 mile west of White Wolf and .2 mile west of the White Wolf entrance road. The fire is 569 acres and burning in Red Fir and Lodgepole Pine leaf litter. Continued activity and growth are expected on the flanks away from White Wolf. The fire is visible from the Tioga Road near Siesta Lake. Fire personnel are monitoring the fire, which is being managed for ecological benefit.

The Wolf Fire is a low intensity surface fire spreading from log to log or smoldering in thick duff typical of Red Fir and Lodgepole Pine fires. Torching of trees is visible. Both of these forests have longer fire return intervals, or how frequently wildland fires burn in this forest type, than lower elevation forests and have been less affected by fire exclusion.

During the walk, the origins of fire suppression are discussed as well as increased fuel loads that can lead to "catastrophic" fires. Yosemite National Park's prescribed fire and managed wildland fire guidelines are outlined.

National Park Service staff showcase the effects of wildland fire, which are demonstrable with the Wolf Fire. Surface fuels and small tress are cleared, soil nutrients are increased, and new growth stimulated. These examples and others illustrate how natural fire furthers ecosystem health.

The two-hour walks focusing on fire ecology are scheduled at 3:00 pm each day through September 2nd. An additional 9:30 am walk will also be offered August 27th-30th. Visitors interested should meet at the White Wolf Lodge.

-NPS-