Hikers evacuated as Yosemite wildfire explodes in size

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif., Sept. 8 (UPI) -- A wildfire that had been smoldering for weeks in Yosemite National Park exploded during the weekend, forcing the park to evacuate hikers by helicopter.

The Meadow fire had grown to about 2,600 acres by Monday morning. The fire, started by lightning in August, had been confined to about 20 acres until wind Sunday spread sparks to areas of dry brush.

Trails on Half Dome and in the Merced Lake area were closed. Hikers were evacuated from Half Dome and elsewhere.

"The fire was getting very close to the trail to Half Dome and we didn't want to take the chance on people having to hike through the fire to get back," said Tim Ludington, a Yosemite spokesman.

California has been having a difficult wildfire season after several years of drought. Several major fires have burned in and around Yosemite, threatening some of the small communities around the park.

The Bridge fire on the east side of the park was reported to be 30 percent contained. While some homes were still under threat, officials lifted evacuation orders.

The Happy Camp Complex was reported to be 30 percent contained. The blaze, in northern California, has spread across almost 100,000 acres.

The Meadow fire was started by lightning about seven weeks ago. While the fire remained small, it was allowed to burn itself out, part of an effort to bring natural fire back to Yosemite. Officials believed there was no threat because the blaze was in an area 8,000 feet above sea level and remote from heavily trafficked areas in the park.