FRESNO, Calif. (AP) — As wildfires rage throughout the western U.S., one California blaze in the rugged mountains outside of Yosemite National Park has destroyed eight structures and forced thousands of nearby residents to flee their homes.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection says that as of Tuesday evening, the fire had scorched 39 square miles as it made its way to the hills on the edge of Mariposa, a town of about 2,000 people under a mandatory evacuation order.
Residents describe ash raining in their town and smoke darkening the sky.
Fire officials say the blaze is threatening at least 1,500 homes.
Officials add that the fire also puts at risk powerlines providing electricity to the park, and it has closed roads traveled by tourists. The park remained open Tuesday.
The wildfire near Lake McClure, a reservoir about 50 miles east of Modesto, was 5 percent contained Tuesday evening.