Update: Fires Burning In Yosemite National Park

Update at 7:40pm: The National Park Service warns that while the Wawona Fire is currently at “low threat potential,” there is the possibility that the community of Wawona will need to evacuate with in the next 24 hours or so. Residents are advised to make “pre-evacuation preparations.”

Original story posted at 5:40pm: Yosemite, CA — Air and ground resources are working to suppress a 20 acre fire that has ignited today in the community of Wawona in Yosemite National Park.

It is just south of Wawona Dome. Park officials report the Chilnualna Falls trail is closed at the bottom and smoke is visible in the Swinging Bridge area. What ignited the fire is unknown. You will notice quite a little fire activity in the park.

In addition, crews continue to monitor the Empire Fire, one mile south of Bridalveil Campground, which is up to 850 acres. It was ignited by lightning on July 31st. It is putting off some heavy smoke as it burns through dead and down timber. Crews are allowing it to burn out naturally where possible to return fire to the ecosystem. Nearby trails are closed from Bridalveil Creek Campground to the second junction with the Ostrander Trail and from Westfall Meadow to Deer Creek junction, along Alder Creek.