California

Fire Forces Evacuations in Yosemite National Park

Evacuation orders remain in place for the tiny California community of Wawona as crews try to surround a stubborn, week-old fire in Yosemite National Park.

The U.S. Forest Service says Sunday that the blaze has grown slightly and charred nearly five square miles (13 square kilometers) of dry brush. It's 10 percent contained.

Authorities ordered residents in and around Wawona to evacuate Saturday as flames approached and air quality reached hazardous levels.

The evacuation order includes the historic Big Trees Lodge, formerly known as the Wawona Hotel.

The Mariposa County community, which has a population of 1,000 to 2,000 at any given time, is entirely within Yosemite.

The fire has closed campgrounds and trails in the park since it began August 13.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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