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Half Dome Hikers Evacuated Via Helicopter Due To Wildfire In Yosemite National Park

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Published Date

September 8, 2014
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The Meadow Fire's spread into the Little Yosemite Valley led to the helicopter-evacuation of hikers and climbers atop Half Dome on Sunday/NPS

Nearly 100 hikers who made their way to the top of Half Dome in Yosemite National Park received helicopter rides down to the Yosemite Valley floor due to a wildfire that has spread into the Little Yosemite Valley below the iconic dome.

And about 100 more hikers and backpackers were also helped out of the Little Yosemite Valley due to the fire that was spotted in the Yosemite Wilderness about 12:30 p.m. Sunday. The fire, which may have been started by embers blown into the area from the Meadow fire, was measured at nearly 2,600 acres Sunday, according to fire bosses. It was burning on both sides of the Merced River as it flowed through the Little Yosemite Valley.

Currently, more than 100 firefighters were battled the wildfire with the help of three helicopters and three air tankers. Trails closed due to the fire included: Echo Creek Drainage to Little Yosemite ValleySunrise Creek Drainage to Little Yosemite Valley (John Muir Trail)

  • Merced River Corridor to Merced Lake Ranger Station
  • Nevada falls east through Little Yosemite Valley along the Merced River corridor. 
  • Sunrise trail to Clouds Rest from Tenaya Lake

According to fire managers, wildfires "of this magnitude, in this area of the park, have in the past produced heavy smoke that drains down into Yosemite Valley, so be prepared for smoke in the Unhealthy AQI range or worse in the mornings, with some clearing in the afternoon hours."

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Comments

Submitted by Rudy Stefancik on September 8, 2014 - 12:11pm.

Well, at least the NPS didn't require a permit to be obtained in advance in order to get on the helicopter and for the firefighters to work in the area.........


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