Published May 19, 2026 5:45 pm
Lightning strike fire in Yosemite National Park assisted by CAL FIRE TCU—CAL Fire TCU photo
Yosemite, CA—CAL FIRE TCU assisted Yosemite National Park yesterday evening with a lightning strike fire deep in the forest.
The blaze was held over from the last series of storms, according to CAL FIRE TCU officials, and was located at about 5300’ elevation, one mile south of Lake Eleanor. They relayed that Copter 606 and the Columbia Airbase Helitack crew worked to extinguish the three-quarter-acre fire, which was difficult to reach due to heavy dead and downed timber.
“Helitack cut a heli spot, hiked to the fire, and secured the active flank while Copter 606 supported the fire with over 40 water drops,” disclosed CAL FIRE TCU officials.
The fire was turned over to Yosemite National Park fire management.
Written by Tracey Petersen.
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