Yosemite Wildfire Grows Rapidly
Dome Fire in Yosemite National Park Expands Rapidly Near Wawona
Anonymous
Key Points
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The fire began near the Chilnualna Falls Trailhead on the morning of Sept. 15; CAL FIRE initially estimated about five acres, then reported 20 acres later that afternoon before the fire expanded further.
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Despite the fire’s growth, air-quality readings in Yosemite Valley and the Wawona area were classified as “good” on the morning of Sept. 16.
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The Chilnualna Falls trail is a popular 8.2-mile round-trip hike leading to a five-tiered waterfall system, and Wawona serves as an important southern gateway to Yosemite.
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The National Park Service has jurisdiction over the incident, with Yosemite Fire and the park service managing the response.
The Dome Fire near Yosemite's Wawona area exploded from roughly 100 acres on September 15 to 1,177 acres by September 16, with zero containment reported GVwire. The fire is racing upslope through grass, brush, and timber, making suppression difficult due to steep terrain and limited access. NBC Bay Area Firefighters have requested additional ground and air resources to combat the rapidly growing blaze CBS News.
The National Park Service closed the Chilnualna Falls Trail and routes toward Buena Vista and Crescent lakes through September 23, though Yosemite remains open and major roads stay accessible GVwire. Officials warn of smoke, falling branches, hot ash, and reduced visibility, though no immediate threat to developed areas exists. The fire's cause remains under investigation ABC10.
Fire Sparked Near Popular Hiking Trail Tuesday Morning
The Dome Fire ignited near the Chilnualna Falls Trailhead on the morning of September 15 KMJNOW. CAL FIRE initially estimated about five acres, then raised that to 20 acres by afternoon before the fire expanded dramatically overnight. The Chilnualna Falls Trail is a popular 8.2-mile round-trip hike that leads to a five-tiered waterfall system GVwire.
Steep Terrain Slows Firefighting Efforts
The fire is burning through a mix of grass, brush, and timber on steep slopes north of Wawona Dome in Mariposa County CBS News. The challenging terrain and limited road access are complicating suppression efforts, forcing crews to call for additional resources. Firefighters face hazards including burning logs, stump holes, and branches that could fall without warning GVwire.
Air Quality Remains Good Despite Rapid Growth
Despite the fire's explosive growth, air-quality readings in Yosemite Valley and the Wawona area were classified as "good" on the morning of September 16 GVwire. This may change as the fire continues to burn and spread. The National Park Service and Yosemite Fire are jointly managing the response GVwire.
Wawona Remains Open as Southern Gateway to Park
Yosemite National Park remains open despite the fire, and major roads including Wawona Road are still accessible ABC10. Wawona serves as an important southern gateway to the park. The trail closures affect only specific routes through September 23, unless fire conditions require an extension GVwire.
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