Sierra Nevada forest fire near Yosemite continues to grow
MARIPOSA, Calif. (AP) — A forest fire in the Sierra Nevada just west of Yosemite National Park expanded to nearly 36 square miles (93 square kilometers) on Friday.
More than 2,700 firefighters aided by a fleet of helicopters were battling the fire, but only 7 percent of its perimeter was contained.
Ground crews dealt with high heat and rugged terrain with little to no access by roads, officials said. Thunderstorms with gusty winds were also a concern.
Several areas were under mandatory evacuation orders. Residents of other areas were advised to be ready to leave if necessary, but no homes had been damaged or destroyed. Fire officials were to brief residents on the situation at two community meetings.