Yosemite, CA — While most of the attention in Yosemite is on the South Fork Fire as it is burning near Wawona, the Empire Fire burning in a more isolated region is up to 1,400 acres.

The Empire Fire was ignited by lightning on July 31st approximately a mile south of the Bridalveil Campground and east of Alder Creek drainage. No structures are threatened, so the fire is being monitored, and allowed to burn out naturally. The fire is expected to see continued growth along the northeast and southeast flanks.

The fire, burning at an elevation of 7,300 ft., is visible from many viewpoints off Glacier Point Road, including Sentinel and Washburn Points. Trails are closed from Bridalveil Creek campground at the second junction with the Ostrander Trail and from Westfall Meadow to the Deer Camp junction.

To read the latest on the 2,296 acre South Fork Fire in Yosemite, click here.

Click here to view a map of the Empire Fire