A wildfire burning near Chilnualna Falls in Yosemite National Park has grown to approximately 100 acres as firefighters work to contain the blaze.
The Dome Fire was reported on the morning of September 15, 2026, roughly one-quarter mile north of Chilnualna Falls. The fire is visible from Wawona Road, also known as Highway 41.
The National Park Service said there are currently no immediate threats to infrastructure or developed areas. Yosemite National Park remains open and is operating normally, although several trails have been closed because of the fire.
Firefighters Battle Dome Fire
Fire crews are attacking the Dome Fire from both the ground and air as the blaze continues to spread toward the north and northeast.
The fire currently has a moderate rate of spread. Firefighters have been using natural barriers to help slow the fire, while fireline has been secured along the southern and western sides. Aircraft are also supporting crews on the ground as suppression efforts continue.
The Chilnualna Falls Trail is closed because of the Dome Fire. Trails extending from the top of Chilnualna Falls toward Buena Vista Lake and Crescent Lake are also closed. Visitors should avoid entering the closed areas while firefighters work in the area.
The closures do not affect the rest of Yosemite National Park, which remains open to visitors. Buena Vista Lake and Crescent Lake can still be reached from the east.
Yosemite Fire Updates
Visitors traveling through Yosemite should monitor conditions and check for changes to trail access before heading into areas near the fire.
The National Park Service is directing visitors to InciWeb for Dome Fire updates and to AirNow for current air quality information.
Conditions can change quickly as suppression efforts continue, making updated information important for anyone planning to visit the Chilnualna Falls area.