United States
Wildfire threatens giant sequoias in California
Plumes of smoke rise from a giant sequoia in Yosemite National Park. Photo: Eric Paul Zamora/The Fresno Bee via AP/dpa
© dpa-infocom GmbH
Sprinkler systems and hundreds of helpers are to protect the more than 2000-year-old plants from the “Washburn” fire raging in Yoesemite National Park.
In California, the fight against a forest fire in Yosemite National Park continues. More than 500 firefighters and helpers were on duty in the popular excursion area on Monday, according to the responsible park authority.
The fire that broke out last week is threatening the Mariposa Grove with its well-known giant sequoias. The so-called “Washburn” fire was only 25 percent under control on Monday. The flames quickly spread across nearly 1,000 hectares of land. The Mariposa Grove has been closed to visitors.
The emergency teams would take special protective measures for the famous sequoias, the park authority said. The area around the trees is kept moist with the help of sprinkler systems on the ground. In addition, dry undergrowth is removed, which could otherwise easily catch fire.
The forested area of the Sierra Nevada on the southern edge of Yosemite Park is known for its redwood trees, which are more than 60 meters high and are more than 2000 years old. The Mariposa Grove was designated as a special nature reserve in 1864.