Thousands flee raging wildfire near yosemite national park

Here's a summary of the situation:

Thousands Flee Raging Wildfire Near Yosemite National Park

A massive wildfire is raging near Yosemite National Park in California, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes and evacuate the area. The fire, known as the Oak Fire, has grown to over 17,000 acres in size and is only 5% contained.

Evacuations and Closures

The fire has prompted mandatory evacuations for several communities, including the town of Midpines and parts of Mariposa County. Thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes and seek shelter elsewhere.

Yosemite National Park has also been affected, with several campgrounds and trails closed due to the fire. The park's south entrance has been shut down, and visitors are being diverted to other entrances.

Firefighting Efforts

Firefighters are battling the blaze, with air tankers and helicopters dropping water and fire retardant to try and contain the fire. Ground crews are also working to create firebreaks and contain the fire's spread.

Cause of the Fire

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but officials believe it may have been sparked by a lightning strike.

Impact on Local Communities

The fire has had a significant impact on local communities, with many residents forced to flee their homes and businesses. The fire has also disrupted local services, including power and water supplies.

Weather Conditions

The fire is being fueled by hot and dry weather conditions, with temperatures expected to remain high in the coming days. Winds are also expected to pick up, which could spread the fire further.

Updates and Resources

For the latest updates on the fire, you can visit the following resources:

Stay safe, and I hope this information is helpful!