A wildfire burning near the famed Half Dome peak in Yosemite National Park that prompted the rescue of more than 100 hikers has grown to nearly 2,600 acres as of Monday morning.
The blaze, which was described as being possibly a spot fire from the lightning-caused Meadow Fire, is burning within the Little Yosemite Valley on both sides of the Merced River, according to the national park’s website.
About 100 hikers and backpackers were evacuated from the Little Yosemite Valley on Sunday, while 85 climbers had to be airlifted from the summit of Half Dome.
The fire also forced the closure of a number of trails in the Half Dome-Sunrise Lakes area, the website stated. The trails closed included the following:
- Echo Creek Drainage to Little Yosemite Valley
- Sunrise Creek Drainage to Little Yosemite Valley (John Muir Trail)
- Merced River Corridor to Merced Lake Ranger Station
- Nevada Fall east through Little Yosemite Valley along the Merced River corridor
- Sunrise trail to Clouds Rest from Tenaya Lake
All roads in Yosemite remained open on Monday, however, according to a post on the park’s Facebook page.
At least 100 firefighters were battling the blaze, including six hot shot crews. They were being aided by seven helicopters and three air tankers.
Air quality in Yosemite Valley was reported to be in the “moderate range,” but the website warned parkgoers to be prepared for smoke in the unhealthy range or worse during morning hours.