Residents in the community of Old El Portal have
grown to welcome the annual prescribed fire project in
their community.
Each spring, after the grasses have cured, a prescribed
fire is completed, providing a fuel break against
unwanted fire in the late summer months when the fire
danger is extreme.
Although the community never opposed this project, a
renewed involvement and interest has occurred in the
last few years and for good reason.
On July 8, 2004, the Woodlot Fire, an arson fire, started
and quickly grew to 300 acres in the hot, dry conditions
driven by afternoon up canyon winds. The park ordered
additional firefighting resources to help with
suppression efforts. The fire threatened Old El Portal as
well as the communities of Rancheria and Foresta.
The prescribed fire completed earlier in 2004 aided
suppression efforts. Firefighters used this prescribed
fire fuel break to make a safe defense around the town.
The difference in fire behavior was noticeable to
firefighters and residents alike.
The prescribed fire demonstrated that the fuel break provided for firefighter and public safety
and helped to protect the community.
Several residents inquired in advance this year to ensure the project would happen again and its
timing. The project is becoming a community event. Many residents congregated and watched
while firefighters brought fire near their town. This provided an excellent opportunity for
Yosemite Fire staff to talk to community members about other important steps that can be taken,
such as creating defensible space around property so unwanted wildfire doesn't adversely impact
their community in the future.
Contact: Deb Schweizer, Fire Education Specialist
Phone: (209) 372-0480 |
