Firefall

Firefall

View of Horsetail falls in 2019 and 2020.

Hello ProRangers and Park People! My third week in Yosemite has come to a close. This past week was very busy as preparations were made for the annual "firefall" event. Occurring for a short two week period in February, "firefall" is the name given to a phenomena that occurs when water cascading down Horsetail falls is illuminated by the setting sun to resemble lava flowing down the granite cliff face. However, for this event to occur water needs to flow over Horsetail falls. Unfortunately, given the lack of precipitation this winter, there is little to no water coming over the falls. Nevertheless, preparations have been made to ensure that the thousands of visitors who come for the event can view "firefall" safely and without damaging any park resources. 

In response to erosion and resource degradation that occurred in 2019 when over 2,000 visitors huddled on riverbanks to catch a glimpse of the falls, the park has placed restrictions on where visitors can park and view the falls. From February 13th-27th, North side drive will see an alternate traffic pattern as the right lane will serve as a pedestrian walkway. Additionally, all pull outs along a three mile stretch of North side drive and portions of South side drive will be closed for parking. To implement these closures, a variety of signs are required to indicate parking zones, crosswalks, speed restrictions and pedestrian walkways. Fortunately, for the law enforcement personnel planning the event, there was an eager intern to help make all the signs. I spent a portion of the week designing, printing and organizing a variety of signs for the event. After all the signs were complete, they needed to be staged along North and South side drive for the start of the closure. 

Closures in effect daily from 12:00PM-7:00PM. 

Signs waiting to be staged for the closure

One of the "Pedestrian Crossing" signs I made for the event 

Sign used to indicate the proper lane of travel for vehicles and pedestrians. 

Hundreds of delineators placed over a three mile stretch of North side drive to ensure vehicles remain in the left lane. 

In addition to preparing for and assisting with the implementation of park closures for "firefall", I spent time on the valley ambulance this week. During one of my night shifts, there was a visitor who was injured after falling 10+ft and landing on a rocky outcrop lining a stream. The patient was evaluated by park paramedics and the decision was made to transport the patient to the hospital via med ship. To transport a patient out of the valley in a helicopter during the day requires a lot of planning, but transporting a patient at night requires even more planning and constant communication between those on the ground and in the air. I watched and listened closely as law enforcement personnel set up a landing zone and made contact with the incoming med ship. Once on the ground, flight medics from the med ship evaluated and packaged the patient for flight. I was able to assist with transporting the patient from the ambulance into the med ship. Although the situation was unfortunate, I garnered a lot of valuable information that will enable me to assist in future landings. 

Rescue three on scene at Ahwahnee meadow for the night landing. Lights on rescue three and the patrol vehicle are used to illuminate hazards for the incoming med ship. 

Med ship landing in Ahwahnee meadow. Notice all the traffic in the background, it was a very busy weekend in Yosemite!

Until next time,

ProRanger Caruso