Forest fire at Yosemite National Park: Zero percent of the fire under control

Instead of 400, 2,000 firefighters are now deployed to fight the forest fire near the US National Park Yosemite. But so far they have not been able to do much. Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency for the affected district.

Lynda Reynolds and her husband were surprised at how quickly the fire approached their home. “It was scary, our bodies were covered in ash,” says Linda. It seemed to her that the fire was directly above her house. Her husband says: “We then quickly got our things together. When I went up the hill and looked, I thought: Oh my God, that’s coming fast.”

Little rain so far this year

California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in Mariposa County. The region is a good 300 kilometers east of San Francisco, right on the edge of Yosemite National Park. The fire broke out on Friday morning. And then it spread very quickly. The emergency services describe it as “explosive”.

California has been suffering from an extreme drought for almost three years. It has hardly rained in the US state this year. Forests and bushes are very dry. Gusts of wind and dead undergrowth contribute to the acceleration of the fire.

Instead of 400 now 2000 firefighters

The California Fire Department has zero percent of the fire under their control so far. Nevertheless, spokeswoman Natasha Fouts is optimistic: “We’re dealing with a rugged area, it’s very steep, but we have a good fight ahead of us.”

In the meantime, the emergency services have been strengthened. From just 400 firefighters to now more than 2000. With 17 fire-fighting helicopters and heavy equipment, attempts are being made to stop the flames. It has already spread over an area of ​​more than 63 square kilometers.

The only positive thing – if you can say that about a fire of this magnitude – is that the region is sparsely populated. Several thousand houses were recently threatened by the fire, some had been destroyed or damaged. According to media reports, around 6,000 residents had to get to safety. Large parts of the USA are currently experiencing an extreme heat wave – often with temperatures above 40 degrees.