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Approximately 100 hikers evacuated from park's backcountry A wildfire that started early this afternoon in Yosemite National Park in Yosemite National Park has grown to approximately 700 acres. The Meadow Fire originated in Yosemite's backcountry wilderness, east of Half Dome and Little Yosemite Valley, at approximately noon today. Approximately 100 hikers were evacuated from the top of Half Dome, Little Yosemite Valley, and surrounding trails, via helicopter. There are no reported injuries or structures affected by the wildfire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Throughout the afternoon, 7 helicopters, an airplane, and ground crews worked to extinguish the fire. The area, at 7,000 feet in elevation, features rugged terrain. Ground access requires a several mile hike to the area affected by the fire. Yosemite National Park firefighters are working with fire crews from Cal Fire, Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Parks, Mariposa County Fire, California Highway Patrol, and U.S. Forest Service. There are over 100 firefighters dedicated to the fire, with more resources en route.
Yosemite National Park remains open and all facilities within Yosemite Valley. Trails near the Half Dome area, the Little Yosemite Valley area (a backcountry camping area near Half Dome), Merced Lake and Sunrise High Sierra Camps, Clouds Rest, and Echo Valley remain closed due to fire activity. All roads leading into Yosemite remain open as well.
Visitors are urged to check the park's website to get updated information in the smoke impacts to Yosemite National Park. Updated information can be found at www.nps.gov/yose.
Editor's Note: This will be the only news release for the evening. More information will be released tomorrow morning.
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Last updated: March 1, 2015