Acreage Hike for Yosemite Meadow Fire

Yosemite, CA – The Meadow Fire has grown to 700 acres and there is no containment.

A reconnaissance helicopter around noon today in Yosemite’s backcountry wilderness, east of Half Dome and Little Yosemite Valley spotted the flames.

Park Ranger Kari Cobb says, “A helicopter was used to evacuate about 100 hikers off the top of Half Dome, Little Yosemite Valley, and surrounding trails, via helicopter.  There are no reported injuries or structures affected by the wildfire.  The cause of the fire is still under investigation.”

Trails and camping are closed in the Half Dome area, Little Yosemite Valley area, Merced Lake and Sunrise High Sierra Camps, Clouds Rest, and Echo Valley. The park is open including all roads leading in Yosemite.

On the scene today were 100 firefighters, 7 helicopters and 1 plane. The area burning is at 7,000 feet in elevation with rugged terrain and is a several mile hike to get to the flames. Cobb says because of those factors much of this battle will be fought from the air.

Assisting resources include crews from Cal Fire, Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Parks, Mariposa County Fire, California Highway Patrol, and U.S. Forest Service.

A special thanks to community news partners Jen Steventon. Mike McEvoy and Alyson Lee Macon for sending in photos. Pictures can be e-mailed to news@clarkebroadcasting.com.