Gin Flat (PW-3) Prescribed Burn (POSTPONED)
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CA
Prescribed Fire Treatment

Started on or about
10/14/2004 (Morning)

Status as of
10/11/2004

Cause
Project

Location
Northwest portion of the park, just east of Crane Flat (CA)

Acreage
1,400 acres to be burned

Estimated Completion Date
end of October

Park Status
The segment of this burn adjacent to the Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias will result in the closing of trails through the grove. Specific dates for this closure are not known at this time and will be posted when known.

Overview
This fire has been postponed while fire resources are dedicated to the Hetchy Fire and while smoke from the Hetchy Fire impacts Tuolumne County.

The National Park Service announces plans to conduct the Gin Flat (PW-3) Prescribed Burn beginning October 14th, in Yosemite National Park, weather and air quality conditions permitting.

This burn was initially ignited two years ago on September 27th, 2002 as the largest prescribed fire project in park history. The Gin Flat Project, in its entirety, encompasses nearly 7,300 acres, of which, 3,291 acres were completed in 2002. This fall, park fire managers hope to ignite an additional 1,400 acres over a week long period of time.

Strategy
The plan is to ignite approximately 150-200 acres per day, completing igntion in about one week. Smoke will continue to be noticeable post ignition.

Air / Smoke Issues
To help minimize smoke impacts, this larger unit will be burned in smaller segments. The size and longevity of this project requires the close cooperation of park fire staff and county air quality managers. Daily collaboration will determine how many, if any, acres can be ignited from day-to-day, depending on how well smoke can be ventilated away from populated areas. The park works closely with county air quality managers as well as state and federal agencies. Yosemite will manage the Gin Flat project following protocols regarding notifications for smoke levels.

Smoke impacts to the roadway may occur, so please use caution when driving in and around the burn area where smoke, fire vehicles, equipment, and personnel may be present.

Benefits of the Burn
The Gin Flat Prescribed Burn Project was identified as a high priority for many reasons. Completing this burn will create a patchwork of burned areas that will help protect the entire northwest portion of the park from a potentially devastating fire originating in the park’s high country.

In addition to this benefit, fire also allows forest to be thinned, opening the canopy and allowing sunlight through. It allows for the recycling of nutrients to the soil while reducing the amount of dead, woody debris. This aids the sprouting and re-growth of plants, shrubs, and trees. Prescribed fire also helps to create a mosaic of diverse habitats for plants and animals.

Contact Information
Deb Schweizer/Marea Ortiz
Phone Number: (209) 372-0333/ 0491
marea_ortiz@nps.gov