News Release

Yosemite National Park fire crews prepared as 2025 fire season begins

News Release Date: June 6, 2025

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. – As fire season begins in the Sierra Nevada, Yosemite National Park officials announce that fire crews are prepared to protect the park's natural and cultural resources. Throughout the winter and spring, Yosemite’s fire management teams have actively reduced hazardous fuel loads through prescribed burning, mechanical thinning, and pile burning efforts—vital work to minimize the intensity and spread of wildfires.

Due to hotter and drier weather conditions, park officials are declaring today as the start of fire season.  The announcement is officially enacted when the fire danger rating indices are moderate for three consecutive days.

“The mission of Yosemite Fire and Aviation is to protect communities, visitors, and natural and cultural resources. Any threat to these values will receive an expedient and robust response to unwanted fire”,” said Yosemite Acting Fire Management Officer Kelly Singer. “Our crews have been working year-round to mitigate these risks. Now, we ask our visitors and residents to join us in taking simple, but critical steps to prevent human-caused fires.”

What Visitors and Residents Can Do to Help Prevent Wildfires

Yosemite welcomes millions of visitors each year and everyone has a role to play in keeping the park safe:

• Never leave campfires unattended and ensure they are fully extinguished — douse with water, stir, and feel for heat before walking away. Follow all fire rules and regulations when recreating and help prevent human caused wildfires.

• Use only designated fire rings and follow all posted fire restrictions, which may change as the season progresses.

• Do not smoke on trails or in vegetated areas. Smoke only in designated areas and dispose of cigarette butts in proper receptacles.

• Avoid parking over dry grass, as hot vehicle parts can ignite vegetation.

• Residential pile burning not permitted during fire season in accordance with Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 2.13(c).

• Yosemite residents need to create and maintain defensible space around their properties for fire season. Yosemite Fire personnel will be conducting inspections within the park to ensure compliance.

• Sign up for Yosemite alerts at: go.nps.gov/alert

How to Report a Wildfire in Yosemite

If you see smoke or flames, report it immediately:

• Call 911

• Provide as much detail as possible: location, size, smoke color, and whether anyone is in danger.

Yosemite National Park remains committed to safeguarding its diverse and iconic landscapes through proactive fire management and community involvement. Visitors are encouraged to check current conditions, fire restrictions, and updates on the park’s official website or social media channels before visiting.

For more information about fire management in Yosemite National Park, visit:Fire News - Yosemite National Park (U.S. National Park Service)