Yosemite's Dome Fire Swells to Nearly 1,200 Acres as 0% Containment Closes Trails
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 17
Yosemite's Dome Fire Swells to Nearly 1,200 Acres as 0% Containment Closes Trails
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 17
Summary
Nearly 1,200 acres had burned in Yosemite's backcountry by Thursday afternoon, prompting several trail closures and lowering air quality in parts of the park.
0% containment and gusty 15-to-25-mph winds have allowed embers to jump the perimeter, with officials saying the Dome fire is most likely to spread north.
Crews were being flown in as helicopters dropped water on flames burning brush and timber about a quarter-mile from Chilnualna Falls; no developed areas or infrastructure were under immediate threat.
Dry late-summer Sierra Nevada conditions and months of scant rain have left vegetation highly flammable, though officials said the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias about 5 miles away was not threatened.