Yosemite Valley closes as wildfire tears through the US national park
Over the last couple of weeks, firefighters have been battling a wildfire around the Yosemite National Park region in California. As the blaze continues to rage, parts of the park have been forced to close.
Yosemite Valley – home to the tourist spots of Yosemite Falls, El Capitan and Half Dome – Wawona, the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias and other areas of the park were closed on Wednesday July 25. These areas are not expected to reopen until Sunday July 29.
The closures include all campgrounds, hotels and visitor services in the areas. Michael Reynolds, the Yosemite National Park superintendent, told visitors on Tuesday to "get yourself out of here if you can".
"Yosemite National Park is experiencing high fire danger, along with continued hot and dry weather patterns," fire officials said.
As the heat from the fire and the current warm weather conditions continues to rise, smoke is dramatically reducing visibility in the area and the air quality is deteriorating. While officials say that the valley itself isn’t in any imminent danger, the closure isn’t just precautionary in terms of health concerns.
During the period of closure, some of the reported 3,000-plus firefighters and 16 helicopters will conduct protective measures including brush burning along roadsides and in other areas to protect the currently unaffected areas of the forested region.
The fire, which broke out in Merced River Canyon on July 13, has raged over more than 57 square miles of the Sierra Nevada region. On July 14, a firefighter was killed while six others have been reported as injured since the blaze began.
Burning its way across steep, rugged terrain with little or no road access, containing the fire has been difficult and has left the splendid landscapes of Yosemite cloaked in hazy smoke. The blaze has been reported to be 25-26 per cent contained.
Yosemite National Park, home to vast swathes of sequoias, tumbling falls, huge granite cliffs and hundreds of hiking trails is usually swarming with visitors during the summer season, and more than four million people pass through its park gates ever year.
This region of California is prone to summer fires, with other large blazes reported just last year in 2017 and in 2013.
Areas of the park currently closed
A section of Highway 41 from Wawona to the tunnel in Yosemite National Park
Fish Camp
Wawona Road
Yosemite Valley
All hotels, campgrounds and visitor services in Yosemite Valley and Wawona
Glacier Point Road
Highway 140
A spokesperson has confirmed that more than a thousand campsite and hotel bookings will be cancelled over the coming days due to the closure. Several nearby communities have also been evacuated, while others remain on standby.
Those due to travel to Yosemite in the coming days should contact tour operators, accommodation or insurance providers to discuss options. Visitors are encouraged to check the park’s website before travel.
"Wildfires can spread swiftly, so if you are in the area you should remain vigilant, monitor local media reports, and follow the instructions issued by local authorities, including obeying any evacuation orders," the Foreign Office (FCO) warns. See the full FCO advice on travel to the area at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa.
