The Dome Fire in Yosemite National Park continued to grow over the weekend, reaching 2,667 acres as of the morning of September 20th. The fire was 15 percent contained, with 525 personnel assigned to the incident, according to the National Park Service.
Dome Fire Continues To Expand
The Dome Fire spread another 283 acres overnight, with fire activity reaching the northern edges of the incident. The fire is also continuing to move into the footprint of the 2017 Empire Fire.
Firefighters identified three areas of particular concern on Sunday. These include a spot fire east of Turner Meadow, another spot fire in Empire Meadows and isolated hot spots near the Chilnualna Falls area.
Crews are constructing and improving direct hand lines in steep and rugged terrain, including the Bridalveil and Alder Creek drainages. Firefighters are also using granite outcroppings, bare ground and previous fire footprints as natural barriers where possible. Helicopters continue to provide water drops, supplies and transportation.
Heavy fuels are making suppression efforts more difficult. The fire is moving through red fir forests, which can support spotting and continued fire spread. The Dome Fire was first reported on September 15th at approximately 100 acres near Chilnualna Falls. It has grown rapidly since then despite ongoing ground and aerial suppression efforts.
Yosemite Remains Open With Trail Closures
Yosemite National Park remains open and is operating normally, but several trails have been closed because of the wildfire.
The Chilnualna Falls Trail is closed, along with trails leading from the top of Chilnualna Falls toward Buena Vista and Crescent Lakes. The closure area also extends east of Wawona Road between Wawona and Chinquapin. There are currently no evacuation orders or warnings, and the National Park Service reports no immediate threats to infrastructure or developed areas.
Smoke does remain a concern for visitors. The National Park Service expects mostly moderate air quality across much of Yosemite, while Yosemite Valley is expected to see air quality in the unhealthy for sensitive groups category. Wawona is also expected to experience unhealthy conditions, with periods of unhealthy air possible. Hazy skies are expected to reduce visibility across much of the park.
The National Park Service will continue monitoring the Dome Fire as crews work to slow its growth and increase containment.