Aspen Fire Leaving Cloud of Smoke Over California

If you’ve seen the brown air we have right now then well, you’ve seen one of the effect fire can have in California in the summer. Check out the Yosemite Conservancy webcams and you’ll see what I mean.

What’s causing this? Well, right now, Yosemite and most of Central California is being covered by a thick blanket of smoke coming from the Aspen Fire in Fresno county. The fire was started last week by lightning is now and has burnt over 14,000 acres as of Tuesday night costing an estimated $10.6 million. It’s also dumping lots of smoke in the air which may cause problems for sensitive individuals. Unfortunately, except for being indoors, there’s really no place in Central California safe from the smoke from this fire. It’s going all the way to Canada! Check out the map below.

Fun stuff, huh? If you are coming to Yosemite and you are sensitive to smoke, try to stay indoors as much as possible. I know, it might ruin your vacation but try rearranging your schedule a little to minimize the effects of the smoke. Only go out during the evening when smoke is higher in the atmosphere and stay inside in the morning when it settles low into the valleys and canyons. Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible. If you’re even the slightest bit asthmatic carry your rescue inhaler and be ready to use it. Avoid any long, strenuous hikes.

Have fun and be safe!