The National Park Service is asking the public for information as investigators work to determine how the Dome Fire started in Yosemite National Park.
The wildfire began on September 15th, 2026, and continued has continued to spread since. As of Monday, September 21st, the Dome Fire had grown to 3,222 acres and was 15 percent contained, with 581 personnel assigned to the incident.
NPS Seeks Information About Campfires
The National Park Service is specifically asking anyone who was on the Chilnualna Falls Trail between September 9th and September 15th to come forward if they witnessed anyone with a campfire.
Fire restrictions have been in effect at elevations of 8,000 feet and below since August 1st. The NPS is investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire and says information from visitors could help investigators determine its origin.
Anyone with relevant information can contact the NPS-wide tip line at 888-653-0009. Information can also be submitted online or by email at nps_isb@nps.gov.
Dome Fire Continues To Spread
The Dome Fire continued to grow at a moderate rate on Monday, with fire activity increasing within the footprint of the 2017 Empire Fire. A spot fire to the east also expanded.
Fire officials said heavy dead and downed fuels in the former Empire Fire area could be receptive to spotting as the Dome Fire moves north. Spotting remains one of the major challenges for firefighters working to contain the blaze.
Crews in the Turner Ridge and Empire Meadows areas are continuing to improve handlines, while additional firefighters are working around the Ostrander Lake Trailhead. Approximately one mile of hose has been installed at the trailhead.
Structure firefighters are also staged at Yosemite West and Wawona to support nearby communities and prepare for potential changes in fire conditions.
Yosemite Closures Remain In Place
Yosemite National Park remains open and operating normally outside of areas affected by the Dome Fire. The Chilnualna Falls Trail is closed, along with trails leading from the top of Chilnualna Falls toward Buena Vista and Crescent Lakes. The Ostrander Lake Trail and all areas and trails south of it are also closed.
The closure area extends east of Wawona Road from Chinquapin to Wawona. Smoke conditions are expected to fluctuate as winds shift throughout Tuesday. The National Park Service warned that Wawona could experience unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups to unhealthy conditions Tuesday evening and overnight.
Visitors should check current park conditions and air quality before traveling into affected areas.