Date: September 8, 2014
All Roads and Visitor Facilities in Yosemite National Park Remain Open
The Meadow Fire, in Yosemite National Park’s high country, is estimated at 2,582 acres. The fire, originating in Yosemite’s high-elevation wilderness, is located east of Half Dome and near Little Yosemite Valley, a backcountry camping area. The Meadow Fire was reported yesterday around 12:30 p.m., Sunday, September 7, 2014 after a visible smoke column was spotted. All roads, entrance stations, and park facilities in Yosemite National Park remain open and operational. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Currently, there are 11 aircraft dedicated to suppressing the Meadow Fire, including seven helicopters and two fixed wing airplanes. Over 120 fire personnel are assigned to the fire including fire crews from the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service. There have been no reported injuries at this time. Hot shot crews are accessing the perimeter of the fire on foot in order to assist suppression efforts.
Trails near the Half Dome area, the Little Yosemite Valley area, Merced Lake and Sunrise High Sierra Camps, Clouds Rest, and Echo Valley remain closed due to fire activity. The trail to Half Dome, east of Nevada Fall, remains closed at this time, including the Half Dome cables. The trail and the cables will remain closed through Thursday, September 11.
Evacuation of visitors in Yosemite’s Wilderness was completed yesterday. No further evacuations are anticipated.
Smoke may be visible throughout the park and surrounding region. At this time, air quality in Yosemite Valley remains good. Visitors are urged to check the park’s website to get updated information on the smoke impacts to the park. Updated information can be found at www.nps.gov/yose or https://www.nps.gov/yose/blogs/fireinfo.htm.
