Yosemite National Park fire grows to 825 acres, 20% contained
A wildfire burning in Yosemite National Park has grown to 825 acres, with 20% containment, a good sign following the weekend which posed high heat and zero containment.
The Pika Fire was reported on June 29 and is believed to have been caused by a lightning strike, according to InciWeb. The fire is slow growing, with some active pockets northwest of North Dome.
Last week, the North Dome Trail east of Lehamite Creek and the southern end of the Lehamite Creek Trail were closed due to fire activity. North Dome is considered to be among the top trails in the world-famous park, with unobstructed views of iconic Half Dome.
Yosemite fire crews are using a "confine and contain" strategy to control the fire's spread. This strategy allows the fire to move "naturally" and provides benefits to plants and wildlife, while minimizing risk to people, firefighters said.
On Tuesday, crews manually burned vegetation and brush along Lehamite Creek trail to secure that section of the fire. However, hand firing has been slow because there is potential of spot fires across the line, according to park officials.
Firefighters will also continue to monitor weather and fire behavior, including smoke impacts.
Smoke is expected to impact Yosemite Valley overnight with air quality improving as smoke lifts during the afternoons. Impacts may also be seen in the surrounding communities of Groveland, El Portal, and Lee Vining, according to InciWeb.
The fire is expected to be contained by the end of the month. There were 40 firefighters assigned to the incident, as of Tuesday with more possible this week.
This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Yosemite crews use 'confine and contain' strategy to fight Pika Fire
