June 25, 2013
Forbidden Fire (37 45.485 x -119 37.116; 7,400" elevation, Mariposa CO.)
As of June 23, this lightning caused fire is approximately 105 acres. A single tree was struck by lightning on May 21, 2013. The fire is west of the Eagle Peak Meadow and Creek, a tributary of Yosemite Creek, and is north of Eagle Peak, on the north rim of Yosemite Valley. It is burning through a predominately red fir forest.
There are four active fire areas, which are either topping out and slowing in decomposed granite or creeping through sparse vegetation and other surface fuels. Fire behavior and smoke may increase later in the week, due to a predicted warming trend, but sparse fuels might prevent noticeable increases. Parts of the fire have been observed with 6-12 inch flame lengths as it burns through short brush patches and trees. There has been some isolated torching of trees.Although smoke is visible from various locations in the park, including Tioga Rd, Sentinel Dome and Glacier Point, there have been no smoke impacts to Yosemite Valley. Fire managers are working with Mariposa County Air Pollution Control District concerning potential air quality impacts to nearby smoke sensitive areas.
Fire crews utilized natural barriers to check the fire spread to the south on June 10. They last hiked into the fire area June 21 to further monitor the fire for growth, direction of spread, fire behavior and smoke production.The Forbidden Fire meets the park's fire management objectives of firefighter and the public safety, as the fire presents few risks to values. The fire poses no threat to park service buildings, roads or infrastructure. When appropriate, fire crews will utilize pack stock for logistical support on this fire in an effort to preserve wilderness character.
The fire was named for the Forbidden Wall along the Yosemite Falls trail.