Yosemite Valley closes as wildfires threaten iconic California park
More than 3,000 firefighters have been tackling the blaze over the past two weeks
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Your support makes all the difference.Wildfires continue to wreak havoc across the globe, leading to the closure of the popular Yosemite Valley in the heart of Yosemite National Park in California.
The much-loved tourist destination, which draws four million people annually to the awesome waterfalls and immense rock formations along its eight mile chasm, will be closed from midday local time on Wednesday 25 July for four days while fire fighters attempt to control the flames which threaten the park’s forest.
Highway 140/El Portal Road, plus a 20-mile stretch of state route 41, which winds through the mountainous region, will also be closed.
Park spokesperson, Mark Gediman, confirmed that more than a thousand campsite and hotel bookings would be cancelled due to the closure.
Visitors to the park were told on Tuesday night that they would be required to leave this morning, while those expected to arrive today have been contacted by telephone or email, reported the Washington Post.
Authorities were keen to clarify that Yosemite was not at imminent risk from the fire and that the closure was taking place to allow fire personnel to conduct the necessary protective measures, such as burning away brush from roadside areas.
Over the past two weeks, fires have raged over more than 57 square miles of timber in the Sierra Nevada region. On Tuesday morning, the fire was reportedly 25 per cent contained.
More than 3,000 firefighters are reported to be battling the blaze, accompanied by 16 helicopters. On July 14, one firefighter was killed and six others have been injured.
Several communities close to the fire have been evacuated, while others remain on standby.
The Yosemite Valley lies at the heartland of the Yosemite National Park. It offers breathtaking views of natural landscapes such as Yosemite Falls, El Capitan and Half Dome. Visibility in this beautiful spot is currently limited due to smoke produced by the wildfire. Visitors are encouraged to check the park’s website before travel.
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