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Storms Spark 17 Wildfires In Yosemite National Park

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Published Date

July 8, 2021
Recent thunderstorms sparked at least 18 wildfires in Yosemite National Park/NPS

Recent thunderstorms sparked at least 17 wildfires in Yosemite National Park/NPS

Recent thunderstorms that developed over Yosemite National Park sparked at least 17 wildfires, according to park staff, with three having been suppressed while the others were being allowed to burn for resource benefits.

The bulk of the fires were less than an acre in size, though the King Fire was reported to cover 10 acres. Due to the risk of visitor safety and park values, the King Fire in the Illilouette Creek drainage was being controlled by hand crews and helicopters, the park's website noted this week.

Three additional fires -- Harden, Pothole and Ridge -- were out, and the remaining fires were burning in wilderness ranging in elevation from 7,000 to 9,700 feet.

"The weather is forecasted to be hot and dry through next week with record temperatures throughout the region," a statement on Yosemite's website read. "Yosemite National Park is a fire-adapted ecosystem. The overall strategy for managing all wildland fires is to provide for the safety of employees and public, as well as protect and enhance natural and cultural resources."

The following information was accurate as of July 6.

King

  • Location: South of Nevada Falls, north of Mount Starr King.
  • Elevation: 7,220 feet
  • Discovery Date: June 29, 2021
  • Size: 10 acres
  • Containment: 50%
  • Strategy: Suppression
  • Cause: Lightning

Quartzite

  • Location: West of Quartzsite Peak.
  • Elevation 8,781 feet
  • Discovery Date: June 29, 2021
  • Size: .30 acre
  • Containment: 0%
  • Strategy: Monitor
  • Cause: Lightning

Harden

  • Location: North of Harden Lake, south of Hetch Hetchy.
  • Elevation: 6,665 feet
  • Discovery Date: July 1, 2021
  • Size: .25 acre
  • Containment: Out 7/4/21
  • Strategy: Suppression
  • Cause: Lightning

Stubblefield

  • Location: Northern end of Yosemite NP, near Stubblefield and Kerrick canyons.
  • Elevation: 8,000 feet
  • Discovery Date: June 28, 2021
  • Size: .1 acre
  • Containment: 0%
  • Strategy: Monitor
  • Cause: Lightning

Porcupine

  • Location: Northeast of Porcupine Campground, and Tioga Road.
  • Elevation: 8,210 feet
  • Discovery Date: June 28, 2021
  • Size: .10 acre
  • Containment: 0%
  • Strategy: Monitor
  • Cause: Lightning

Coyote

  • Location: Coyote Rocks, north of Tioga Road.
  • Elevation: 9,742 feet
  • Discovery Date: June 28, 2021
  • Size: .1 acre
  • Containment: 0%
  • Strategy: Monitor
  • Cause: Lightning

Hidden

  • Location: Northwest of Olmsted Point, Tioga Road.
  • Elevation: 9,017 feetDiscovery Date: June 28, 2021
  • Size: .1 acre
  • Containment: 0%
  • Strategy: Monitor
  • Cause: Lightning

County Line

  • Location: Near Yosemite Creek Campground Road.
  • Elevation: 8,361 feet
  • Discovery Date: June 28, 2021
  • Size: .6 acres
  • Containment: 0%
  • Strategy: Confine and Contain
  • Cause: Lightning

Lukens

  • Location: West of Lukens Lake, North of Tioga Road.
  • Elevation: 8,243 feet
  • Discovery Date: June 28, 2021
  • Size: .2 acre
  • Containment: 0%
  • Strategy: Confine and Contain
  • Cause: Lightning

Wegner

  • Location: East of Yosemite Creek Picnic Area and east of Tioga Road.
  • Elevation: 8,256 feet
  • Discovery Date: June 28, 2021
  • Size: .25 acre
  • Containment: 0%
  • Strategy: Monitor
  • Cause: Lightning

Half Moon

  • Location: West of Ten Lakes near Half Moon Meadow.
  • Elevation: 8,256 feet
  • Discovery Date: June 28, 2021
  • Size: .1 acre
  • Containment: 0%
  • Strategy: Monitor
  • Cause: Lightning

Pothole

  • Location: South of Glacier Point Road.
  • Elevation: 7,885 feet
  • Discovery Date: June 28, 2021
  • Size: .1 acre
  • Containment: Out 7/4/2021
  • Strategy: Suppressed
  • Cause: Lightning

Fork

  • Location: 1 mile southeast of Mt. Starr King.
  • Elevation: 8,500 feet
  • Discovery Date: June 28, 2021
  • Size: .3 acres
  • Containment: 0%
  • Strategy: Confine and Contain
  • Cause: Lightning

Ridge

  • Location: South of Glacier Point Road, across from Sentinel Parking area.
  • Elevation: 8,000 feet
  • Discovery Date: July 3, 2021
  • Size: .10 acre
  • Containment: Out 7/4/2021
  • Strategy: Confine and Contain
  • Cause: Lightning

Lake

  • Location: West slope of Mt Hoffman.
  • Elevation: 9,000 feet
  • Discovery Date: July 3, 2021
  • Size: .10 acre
  • Containment: 0%
  • Strategy: Confine and Contain
  • Cause: Lightning

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