History of Yosemite Firefall in Timeline
The Yosemite Firefall, a spectacle spanning nearly a century from 1872, involved cascading burning embers from Glacier Point into Yosemite Valley 3,000 feet below. This nightly event, orchestrated by the Glacier Point Hotel owners, created an illusion of a fiery waterfall. David Curry, founder of Camp Curry, traditionally signaled the start of the firefall by shouting "Let the fire fall." The mesmerizing display served as the grand finale of Camp Curry's nightly performances, taking place at 9 p.m. seven days a week.
1912: McCauley Family Sells Homestead
In 1912, the McCauley family sold their homestead in Tuolumne Meadows, including the McCauley Cabin, to the Sierra Club.
May 31, 1913: Confrontation over Firefall and Lease
On May 31, 1913, a confrontation occurred between David Curry and Assistant Secretary of the Interior Adolph C. Miller regarding the Curry Camping Company's lease. Miller threatened to end the Firefall, which Curry believed was influenced by a rival company.
1916: Glacier Point Hotel Construction
The Glacier Point Hotel, a large chalet-style hotel with views of Yosemite Valley, was built in 1916 by the Desmond Park Service Company.
March 8, 1917: Reinstatement of the Firefall
On March 8, 1917, the Firefall was reinstated as a nightly summer event after Secretary of the Interior Franklin K. Lane granted the Curry Camping Company a five-year lease.
1920: Red Fir Bark as Firefall Fuel
Around 1920, red fir bark was adopted as the primary fuel for the Firefall, replacing wood, as it produced a more even flow of embers.
1925: Formation of Yosemite Park and Curry Company
In 1925, rival businesses in Yosemite National Park merged to form the Yosemite Park and Curry Company (YPCC) under the Curry family's leadership.
1960: Firefall Procedure Change
By 1960, the middle exchange in the Firefall ceremony ("Is the fire ready?"; "The fire is ready.") was removed.
1961: Origin of the Yosemite Firefall
According to John McCauley, the Yosemite Firefall began spontaneously in 1961 when his father, James McCauley, would push embers from his campfire over Glacier Point. Visitors enjoyed the sight and offered money for more "firefalls."
1962: President Kennedy's Visit and Firefall Delay
During President John F. Kennedy's visit to Yosemite in 1962, a larger-than-usual Firefall was prepared. The event was delayed until around 9:30 p.m. due to a phone call the President was on.
January 1968: Discontinuation of the Yosemite Firefall
George B. Hartzog, director of the Park Service, ordered the discontinuation of the Firefall in January 1968, deeming it inconsistent with the Service's mission and citing traffic problems as another reason for its termination.
January 1968: End of the Yosemite Firefall
In January 1968, the Yosemite Firefall was discontinued by National Park Service Director George B. Hartzog. The decision was made due to environmental concerns, as the large crowds attracted by the event damaged the valley's meadows, and because the Firefall was considered an unnatural spectacle.
January 25, 1968: The Last Yosemite Firefall
The final Yosemite Firefall took place on Thursday, January 25, 1968, during the winter season with no crowd present.
1973: Sierra Club Sells McCauley Cabin to NPS
The Sierra Club sold the McCauley Cabin to the National Park Service in 1973.
1993: End of YPCC Concession
The Yosemite Park and Curry Company (YPCC) ceased being the concessionaire of Yosemite National Park in 1993.
2022: Firefall Reservation System Implemented
In 2022, a reservation system was implemented for the entire month of February to manage the influx of visitors wanting to see the Firefall.
2023: Weekend Reservations for Firefall
In 2023, reservations were required only on weekends in February to view the Firefall. Parking passes and reservation fees were implemented.