MARIPOSA — A wildfire in the Sierra Nevada just west of Yosemite National Park expanded to nearly 36 square miles Friday. More than 2,700 firefighters aided by a fleet of helicopters were battling the Ferguson Fire but only 7 percent of its perimeter was contained. Ground crews dealt with high...
Storms, Dead Trees Could Hinder Firefighting Near Yosemite
MARIPOSA — A deadly forest fire kept spreading Wednesday west of Yosemite National Park, and erratic winds and trees killed by a historic California drought are expected to pose more problems for firefighters, officials said. The Ferguson Fire between the park and the town of Mariposa that's popular with visitors...
Fire Turns Yosemite National Park Smoky, Hurts Businesses
MARIPOSA — A deadly wildfire near Yosemite National Park shrouded the popular destination in smoke and left some tourist-dependent businesses hurting Monday, but visitors still braved trails, campgrounds, lodges and restaurants in the California park, officials said. Amenities were open and visitors posted photos on social media as they hiked...
Deadly Wildfire Near Yosemite Doubles in Size
MARIPOSA — Fire officials say a deadly wildfire burning near the west end of Yosemite National Park doubled in size overnight. U.S. Forest Service spokesman John DeYoe says the Ferguson Fire had scorched 14 square miles of brush and timber as of Monday morning. It is 2 percent contained. Temperatures...
Firefighter Killed in Wildfire Near Yosemite National Park
A second-generation California firefighter who was using a bulldozer to prevent a wildfire from spreading was killed Saturday near Yosemite National Park, state fire officials said. Heavy Fire Equipment Operator Braden Varney, 36, died in the morning hours, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said. The Ferguson Fire...
Hiker Falls to Death From Yosemite's Half Dome Trail
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK — A hiker in Yosemite National Park fell to his death while climbing the iconic granite cliffs of Half Dome in rainy conditions. The National Park Service said the accident occurred Monday. NPS spokeswoman Jamie Richards said the man and a companion were scaling the steepest part...
Big Fee Increase for National Parks? It’s Back to the Drawing Board.
The New York Times reports that a proposal to steeply raise entry fees to popular national parks such as Yosemite, Grand Canyon and Yellowstone received largely negative responses from 109,000 commenters during a month-long comment period last year. Many said they would no longer be able to afford a trip,...