A wildfire burning in a remote section of Yosemite National Parkhas nearly doubled in size since Thursday, with new fire mapping showing the blaze approaching 2,000 acres as firefighters work to contain it in steep wilderness terrain near one of the park's most popular waterfall destinations.
The Dome Firewas first reported around 8:28 a.m. Tuesday north of Wawona Dome in Mariposa County. As of Friday morning, the wildfire was estimated at 1,977 acres and 10% contained, based on the latest perimeter mapping submitted to the National Interagency Fire Center and reported by wildfire tracking service Watch Duty. The cause remains under investigation.
The fire is burning north of Wawona Dome and within a quarter-mile of Chilnualna Falls, a well-known
Yosemite destination. National Park Service officials said firefighters continue to battle the blaze in steep, rugged wilderness terrain that is difficult to access.
Fire activity remained active Friday, particularly along the fire's west and north flanks. Officials reported spot fires to the north as gusty winds pushed flames through grass, brush and timber. Firefighters have been building direct and indirect hand lines, using natural granite features and portions of the 2017 Empire Fire footprint to slow the fire's spread.
Smoke from the wildfire has been visible in parts of Yosemite and along Wawona Road, and officials warned visitors to expect changing conditions as firefighting efforts continue.
Dome Fire evacuations
As of Friday morning, no evacuation orders or warnings had been issued because of the Dome Fire.
The National Park Service reported no immediate threats to infrastructure or developed areas. However, residents and visitors should continue monitoring official fire updates as conditions can change rapidly.
The fire is burning within a few miles of Wawona, a historic Yosemite community that includes lodging, cabins and the Yosemite History Center.
Where is the Dome Fire in California? See map
Dome Fire ignited Tuesday north of Chilnualna Falls in Yosemite National Park's Wawona area and has grown to nearly 2,000 acres.
Dome Fire road closures and trail closures
No roadway closures had been announced Friday morning, and Yosemite National Park remains open and operating normally.
Several trail closures remain in effect because of the wildfire, including:
- Chilnualna Falls Trail
- Trails above Chilnualna Falls connecting to Buena Vista Lake
- Trails above Chilnualna Falls connecting to Crescent Lake
Officials said Buena Vista and Crescent lakes remain accessible from the east. The closure area also extends east of Wawona Road between Wawona and Chinquapin.
Wawona Road remains open, along with major routes into Yosemite Valley. The current closure order is scheduled to remain in effect through Sept. 30 unless extended by park officials.
Dome Fire weather and fire conditions
Firefighters continue facing difficult conditions because the blaze is burning deep within Yosemite wilderness in rugged terrain with limited access.
According to fire officials, the wildfire remained active on its west and north flanks Friday, with winds contributing to spotting outside the main fire perimeter. Some spot fires are burning in areas without recent fire history, while others are smoldering within the footprint of the 2017 Empire Fire.
Three additional hotshot crews were assigned Thursday, and aircraft continue supporting suppression operations. California Interagency Incident Management Team 3 is managing the fire.
Air quality near the fire has ranged from good to unhealthy, and smoke may affect visitors throughout portions of Yosemite National Park.
What does 10% containment mean?
Containment refers to how much of a wildfire's perimeter firefighters have surrounded with control lines.
A fire that is 10% contained means crews have established and secured containment lines around approximately 10% of the fire's perimeter. While the milestone indicates progress, most of the fire's edge remains uncontained and capable of spreading.
Containment does not mean a fire is extinguished, and a higher containment percentage does not necessarily mean all danger has passed. Fire managers continually update containment figures as crews construct, inspect and reinforce fire lines.
The Dome Fire is the latest wildfire to threaten the Yosemite area, where firefighters previously mounted a major response to the 2022 Washburn Fire near the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias.
Officials continue to investigate the cause of the Dome Fire. Fire updates are available through Yosemite National Park, Cal Fire and InciWeb incident reports.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dome Fire in Yosemite grows to nearly 2,000 acres: Friday update
