Abandoned Campfire Sparked Deadly Yosemite Blaze, Officials Say
The 5,500-acre Dome Fire, which led to trail closures and the deaths of two pilots, was caused by an unattended campfire.
An abandoned campfire ignited the 5,500-acre Dome Fire in Yosemite National Park, officials announced Tuesday. The blaze, which began on September 15, has led to the closure of multiple trails and resulted in the deaths of two firefighting pilots.
The fire started around 7 a.m. and has since burned approximately 5,500 acres of grass, brush, and timber in the park's wilderness area. The terrain and wind have contributed to its upslope spread, with limited and difficult access for containment efforts.
On September 23, Glacier Point Road, a route to a prominent viewpoint within the park, was closed due to smoke reducing visibility and to facilitate ongoing firefighting operations. As of Wednesday, September 30, the Dome Fire was reported to be about 39% contained.
The incident has claimed the lives of pilots Greg King and Ryan Cutter. A ceremony was held Tuesday morning in Modesto to honor their service. While no structures have been reported damaged, the fire continues to affect nearby communities and remains active, spreading to the north and northeast. Fire crews have managed to contain the western and southern flanks of the fire.