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.