Is Yosemite National Park still open for tourists? Closures expand as Dome Fire spreads

Officials have expanded the closure area inside Yosemite National Park, as the Dome Fire continues to burn near its southern entrance.

It is moving to the north and east and is now burning inside the footprint of 2017’s Empire Fire.

According to NPS.gov, the park is experiencing “minor operational impacts” from the wildfire, which has burned 3,222 acres and caused two deaths since starting last Tuesday. The closure area now runs from Wawona north to the Badger Pass Ski Area and Glacier Point Road.

The area, and all trails within, are closed to travel and public use and the park service is warning guests of fire hazards, including:

• Falling limbs, snags (dead standing trees) and fire-damaged trees

• Burning logs and stump holes

• Possible smoke conditions, which can cause respiratory problems

• Poor visibility

• Hot ash and unseen hazards

Notice will be posted, and the area “monitored to ensure compliance,” according to the park service.

Yosemite’s southern entrance remains open, along with Wawona Road (Highway 41), which offers access to popular sites in Yosemite Valley. The Arch Rock Entrance from Highway 140 is also open for those traveling to see El Capitan, Home Dome and the like.

The Dome Fire started Sept. 15 in the backcountry just north of Chilnualna Falls, with flames and smoke plumes quickly visible from Wawona Road. The fire is currently spreading at a “moderate rate,” and is 15% contained, according to official incident updates.

Helicopter crash kills two

On Sunday, two pilots with Precision Aerospace were killed when their helicopter crashed near Mariposa during firefighting operations. The deaths were confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration and in a statement from Precision Aerospace. The crash was not included in Dome Fire’s official update Monday morning.