This weekend, the Ferguson wildfire heads towards Yosemite National Park. The massive fire, now 32,484 acres, has been burning in the Sierra Nevada for a couple of days. The intense heat and dry bushes feed into the fire, bringing danger to nearby roads and campgrounds.
Around two hundred building structures and mountain communities are at risk. According to Jim Mackensen, a spokesman for the U.S Forest Service, firefighters are tackling the issue. Unfortunately, the terrain— steep slopes and limited access to roads — make their work difficult.
The northern section of the fire concerns firefighters the most. The team retreated from those flames due to the weather conditions. However, the firefighters made progress in other areas of the Ferguson Fire, including the Jerseydale area where structures are located.
ONE FIREFIGHTER DIES FROM FERGUSON FIRE
Over three thousand firefighters have been aiding in the fire. Dozens of water truckers, water-dropping helicopters and machinery have also been used for the fire. The fire started July 13th, and since then, only one firefighter died. On the first day, a bulldozer slid down the hillside, claiming the responder’s life. As of Sunday, six firefighters have been injured.
Officials closed Highway 140 from the park entrance to 1.5 miles west of Midpines. Park officials also mentioned that due to firefighter operations, Glacier Point ORad, Merced Grove, and the Bridalveil Creek Campground closed.
An evacuation center opened at the New Life Christian Fellowship. The SPCA created an animal shelter in Mariposa County too. These locations will aid those affected by the fire.
The remainder of this week does not look hopeful for the firefighters. The National Weather Service predicted record-breaking high temperatures in the area and issued a heat advisory until Thursday evening.
County officials cautioned schools and summer camps to be careful outside, during the morning and early evenings.
