Managing Fire
Fire managers use three tools to mimic fire's natural function in the ecosystem: prescribed fire, mechanical thinning, and wildfire. While visiting Yosemite, you may see evidence of any of these practices.
Prescribed fires are ignited by qualified park fire staff under certain pre-determined conditions. These fires are carefully managed to achieve goals such as public safety (by protecting developed areas) and ecosystem restoration (by clearing unsafe accumulation of dead and down wood).
Mechanical thinning removes smaller trees and brush with tools such as chainsaws. You may see these brush piles while visiting Yosemite. Mechanical thinning helps provide community protection from unwanted wildland fire, and it helps provide safer conditions for firefighters.
Wildfires are caused by lightning and often allowed to burn naturally in certain park wilderness areas under specific conditions, and with close surveillance by park fire staff. These fires are managed in order to fulfill their natural role as an agent of change in the ecosystem. If it is not prudent to allow fires to burn due to nearby infrastructure, weather conditions, or resource availability, park staff will suppress them.
"...we can't cut our way out of the problem. We can't burn our way out. We can't simply suppress. And we can't walk away. But maybe, we can cut a little, burn a little, suppress a little, and sometimes just back off from a fire that we can't hope to stop. The process will take decades, not years, but taken together, a lot of small steps could make a big difference." —Author Stephen J. Pyne
Yosemite Observer Dashboard: Fire
FAQs
Smoking is not allowed: in all public buildings and public areas of concession buildings (including restrooms). while traveling on trails. (Smoking is allowed if you stop and remain in one location until you have extinguished your smoking material.)
Is there a fire burning near Yosemite right now? ›
All current fires within Yosemite National Park are 100% contained.
When was the last fire in Yosemite? ›
| Washburn Fire |
|---|
| Date(s) | July 11, 2022 – August 1, 2022 |
| Location | Yosemite National Park Sierra National Forest California, United States |
| Coordinates | 37.449°N 119.614°W |
| Statistics |
6 more rowsCampfires are allowed in all open campgrounds at any time. However, from May through September, wood fires in Yosemite Valley and Hodgdon Meadow are only allowed between 5 pm and 10 pm (fires must be completely extinguished by 10 pm). Fires are allowed at any time from October through April.
Is it illegal to take rocks from Yosemite? ›
Ranger-naturalists from the Yosemite Field School collected many of the park's specimens during the first half of the 20th century. (Collecting rocks within national parks is illegal without a research permit.)
Are guns illegal in Yosemite? ›
As of February 22, 2010, a federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park.
Is Yosemite dog friendly? ›
Yes you can absolutely bring your dog to Yosemite with you. You just need to know, and respect the rules concerning pets and areas where your dog is and isn't allowed.
Can I drive through Yosemite without a reservation? ›
Driving through the park also requires a reservation if entering between 5 am and 4 pm (on days a reservation is required). If you are planning to visit after peak hours, please do not arrive before 4 pm; vehicles blocking roads will be cited.
Where do people stay in Yosemite? ›
Lodging options inside Yosemite National Park are managed by Yosemite Hospitality, and range from simple tent cabins at the High Sierra Camps to deluxe rooms at The Ahwahnee. Reservations are available 366 days in advance and are strongly recommended, especially from spring through fall and during holidays.
What is the best month to visit Yosemite National Park? ›
To avoid this, the best time to visit is before or after the summer crowds come, which is typically late May and September. Late May and early June is the best time to view waterfalls, roaring from freshly melted snow, and September offers cooler temperatures ideal for hiking (summer temps can reach the 80s).
Rim Fire. The 2013 Rim Fire was, at the time, the largest forest fire in California history, and the largest fire in Yosemite history. Burning 400 square miles, the speed and size of the fire was unprecedented.
Why did they start the Firefall in Yosemite? ›
During this time, the setting Sun hits the seasonal waterfall at just the right angle, creating the illusion that it is on fire. In 2024, the natural phenomenon known as the "Firefall" is estimated to happen between February 9 to 25. But there is no guarantee it will occur.
Is beer allowed in Yosemite? ›
31. Are there alcohol or marijuana restrictions? Alcoholic beverages are not provided, however some adults bring beer or wine to share with the group in the evenings. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted for those under 21 years of age.
Can I bring firewood into Yosemite? ›
For instance, Yosemite discourages firewood from more than 50 miles away, while Great Smoky Mountains has some very strongly worded regulations that prohibit the entrance of firewood from most places.
Can you use a gas stove in Yosemite? ›
No building, maintaining, attending or using a fire (including campfire, cooking fire, and charcoal fires) within Yosemite National Park below 6,000 feet in elevation except as noted below. Portable stoves using pressurized gas, liquid fuel or propane are permitted, as are alcohol stoves, including tablet/cube stoves.
Is it illegal to smoke in a public park in California? ›
California State Law
2.) smoking and vaping tobacco and marijuana in most areas of California state parks and beaches and the disposal of cigars and cigarettes in a State park or beach unless it is into an appropriate waste receptacle. Violators can be fined up to $25.
Why is there so much smoke in Yosemite? ›
Fire and smoke are as much a part of the Yosemite ecosystem as water and ice. Every year, thousands of lightning strikes occur within park boundaries, igniting vegetation made tinder-dry by Yosemite's long, hot summers. Inevitably, some of these strikes cause fires, which in turn emit smoke.
Is smoking allowed at Yellowstone park? ›
Smoking is permitted only in designated areas in Yellowstone National Park. Permitted: Smoking inside vehicles, on sidewalks, in gravel or paved parking areas, in developed campgrounds and immediately adjacent to backcountry fire rings.
Is it illegal to carry bear spray in Yosemite? ›
Within Yosemite National Park, it is prohibited to possess or use pepper spray (including bear spray and other irritant gas devices), pellet guns, BB guns, bows and arrows, crossbows, blowguns, spearguns, hand-thrown spears, slingshots, explosive devices, or any other implements designed to discharge missiles.
