The Dome Fire burning in Yosemite National Park was caused by an abandoned campfire, according to the fire information page on InciWeb. The fire was first reported on the morning of September 15th in the backcountry approximately one-quarter mile north of Chilnualna Falls. The fire initially covered about 100 acres before rapidly expanding across the surrounding backcountry.
Last week, the National Park Service specifically asked anyone who had been on the Chilnualna Falls Trail between September 9 thand September 15th to report seeing anyone with a campfire. Fire restrictions had been in effect at elevations of 8,000 feet and below since August 1st.
Dome Fire Reaches 39 Percent Containment
The Dome Fire has continued to grow since the 15th, but firefighters are making progress on containment. According to the September 30th morning update, the fire grew by another 242 acres since Tuesday morning and has reached 39% containment.
Fire officials said containment is increasing faster than the fire is growing. Favorable weather conditions allowed crews to conduct strategic firing operations to connect portions of the fire perimeter with containment lines.
Firefighters are continuing to reinforce those lines as additional crews arrive to replace personnel who have reached their maximum deployment periods. Mules and helicopters are also being used to move firefighting equipment through the remote terrain.
Yosemite Closures Remain In Place
Warmer and drier weather is expected through the end of the week, although relatively calm winds should allow firefighters to continue making containment progress. Strong south to southwest winds with gusts reaching 25mph are expected through the weekend. No roads, buildings or utilities are currently under immediate threat.
Several trails remain closed because of the fire, including the Chilnualna Falls Trail and trails extending from the top of Chilnualna Falls toward Buena Vista and Crescent Lakes. Ostrander Trail and areas south of it are also closed.
Glacier Point Road remains closed because of smoke and firefighting operations, although the Four Mile Trail and Panorama Trail remain open.