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Campsites and lodges emptied after disappointed tourists were ordered to leave the heart of Yosemite National Park Wednesday noon, as firefighters struggled to contain a huge forest fire to the west that threatened the forest of the park. The Yosemite Valley will be closed at least until Sunday, with a winding and mountainous stretch of 20 miles from California State Route 41 that leads to the interior, said the park's spokesman, Scott Gediman
. At least a thousand camping and hotel bookings will be canceled – not to mention the impact on day visitors, park staff and small businesses along the way, Gediman said. The Rangers went to campsites one at a time to inform visitors of the closures. Hotel guests received phone calls and notes on their doors.
"It's the season of the main visitors, so it was not an easy decision to make," Gediman said. "It was only for security reasons."
Officials quickly pointed out that Yosemite was not under the imminent danger of Ferguson's fire. The authorities have decided to close down to allow crews to carry out protective measures such as burning brushes along the roads without having to deal with traffic in the park which welcomes 4 million visitors a year.
In 1965, Yosemite Valley is the centerpiece of the visitor experience, offering views to sites such as Half Dome, Dome Sentinel, Bridal Fall Veil, El Capitan and Yosemite Falls. The glacial valley was enveloped by a smothering mist of smoke from Ferguson's fire.
Visitors are advised to "limit activity during periods of poor air quality." Some facilities and services are closed or diminished. "
For nearly two weeks, flames traveled over 57 square miles of wood on steep Sierra Nevada terrain just west of the park.
Mandatory evacuations are in place in several communities of others have been advised to prepare to leave if necessary.
More than 3,300 firefighters work in the fire, helped by 16 helicopters. A firefighter was killed on July 14 and six others were injured.
Rhonda Salisbury, CEO of Visit Yosemite / Madera County, said the regional visitor office had relocated tourists following the closure. she said. "Some want to get out for a few days and see if they can return to the park."
