You are here

Home » Oak Fire Next To Threaten Yosemite National Park

Oak Fire Next To Threaten Yosemite National Park

Share
By NPT Staff - July 24th, 2022

Wildfires were pumping smoke into Yosemite National Park on Sunday/Yosemite Conservancy

A wildfire burning about a dozen miles west of Yosemite National Park was pumping huge clouds of smoke into Yosemite on Sunday and raising concerns that it could threaten the park in the coming days.

The Oak Fire was spotted early Friday afternoon and quickly blew up in size due to heavy fuel loads and favorable fire weather. As of Sunday morning it covered more than 14,000 acres. Fire bosses on the Oak Fire and the Washburn Fire that started inside Yosemite on July 7 were coordinating their efforts. Both air and ground resources responded from the Washburn Fire to assist in suppression efforts on the Oak Fire, according to Sunday's fire briefing.

Evacuation orders have forced thousands from their homes in Mariposa County, California, and at least 10 structures have been destroyed by the fire. The fire has caused the closure of Highway 140 east (north) of Mariposa. Highways 120 and 41 leading to Yosemite were open Saturday, and Wawona Road (continuation of Highway 41 inside the park) reopened Saturday morning. Wawona and the Mariposa Grove remain closed, and no stopping was allowed along Wawona Road south of Yosemite West.

A park statement on Facebook said conditions were "very smoky throughout the park, with air quality worsening rapidly."

Support National Parks Traveler

National Parks Traveler is a small, editorially independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit media organization. The Traveler is not part of the federal government nor a corporate subsidiary. Your support helps ensure the Traveler's news and feature coverage of national parks and protected areas endures. 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.