Hikers and nature lovers returned to Yosemite National Park's scenic valley Tuesday after a rare 20-day closure because of smoke from wildfires. Some said they didn't mind the hazy air that obscured scenic vistas; others came prepared with eye drops and face masks. Park officials also advised visitors to expect...
Yosemite Valley Closure Costs $50M in Lost Tourism. It Is Now Open.
The reopening of iconic Yosemite Valley, a favorite destination of tourists worldwide, is finally here for Douglas Shaw. A 20-day closure during peak tourist season at one of the busiest parks in the U.S. cost Shaw $200,000 in lost revenue at his hotel just outside Yosemite National Park. Most of...
Yosemite Valley Will Reopen Tuesday. Fire 80% Contained.
National Parks officials announced Friday that Yosemite Valley will reopen to visitors 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14. In addition, the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias will be back open Monday. Yosemite Valley has been shuttered since July 25 because of the Ferguson Fire. "We'd like to express our sincere gratitude...
Ferguson Fire 80% Contained. Crews Protect Yosemite Valley.
Having contained 80% of the Ferguson Fire, the team battling the biggest blaze in Sierra National Forest history is focused on keeping the flames out of iconic Yosemite Valley, officials said Friday morning. "The final piece that must be secured remains between El Portal Road and Wawona Road," states the Ferguson...
Battling 18 Blazes, California May Face Worst Fire Season
The largest wildfire ever recorded in California needed just 11 days to blacken an area nearly the size of Los Angeles — and it's only one of many enormous blazes that could make this the worst fire season in state history. Some 14,000 firefighters from as far away as Florida...
Ferguson Fire Now the Biggest in Sierra National Forest History
Officials overseeing the effort against the deadly Ferguson Fire said Monday morning that it is the largest wildfire in Sierra National Forest history. The fire has grown to 91,502 acres and is 38% contained, officials said. There have been two fatalities and 11 injuries. Ten structures have been destroyed. In...
Northern California Cyclone of Flames Hit 143 MPH
Experts say a deadly Northern California wildfire burned so hot at its peak that it created a cyclone of flames that reached 143 mph, ripping through the region with the force of a destructive Midwest tornado. National Weather Service meteorologist Duane Dykema said Friday that the blaze still burning near...
Wildfires Scorching Homes, Land and California's Budget
Just a month into the budget year, California has already spent more than one-quarter of its annual fire budget, at least $125 million, state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection spokesman Mike Mohler said Wednesday. Following years of drought and a summer of record-breaking heat, immense tracts of forests, chaparral...
Gov. Brown Pledges Any Resources Needed for Fires
UPPER LAKE, Calif. — A massive wildfire in Northern California has torched more than 1,000 homes in and around the city of Redding, authorities said Wednesday as some evacuees were allowed to return home and new blazes exploded in what has become an endless summer of flame in the Golden...
Wildfire Extends Yosemite Valley Closure to 'At Least Sunday'
National Park officials are extending the closure of the scenic Yosemite Valley and other areas due to heavy smoke from the massive Ferguson Fire. The Yosemite Valley, the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias and other park areas closed July 25 and were tentatively scheduled to reopen at 4 p.m. Friday....