Fire in Yosemite Valley meadow suspected to be human-caused. Investigators ask for help
A fire in a protected Yosemite Valley meadow with a famous view of Half Dome is suspected to be human-caused, and investigators are “asking for the public’s help to identify those responsible.”
The fire, which has been extinguished, burned a portion of the Ahwahnee Meadow – the meadow closest to The Ahwahnee hotel – on Wednesday night.
Park officials said Yosemite rangers and firefighters have investigated seven human-caused wildfires in the park in 2020.
“If you or someone you know were in or near Ahwahnee Meadow after sunset on July 15, please contact us,” officials said. “Your information could help investigators. You don’t have to tell us who you are, but please tell us what you know.”
People with information can call or text 888-653-0009, report a tip online at nps.gov/ISB, or email nps_isb@nps.gov.
The meadow fire comes at a time when all but two of Yosemite’s campgrounds are closed due to COVID-19.
This is the second time the Ahwahnee Meadow has made headlines this summer for infamous reasons. Last month, a then-vice president of operations for Yosemite’s concessionaire was seen hitting a golf ball into the meadow. After a video of the incident circulated widely online, an Aramark leader said that individual was no longer employed by the company.
This story was originally published July 17, 2020 at 1:59 PM with the headline "Fire in Yosemite Valley meadow suspected to be human-caused. Investigators ask for help."
