Yosemite Highway Remains Closed As Fire Rages
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. (AP) -- The main highway into Yosemite National Park remains closed as firefighters continue to battle a wildfire outside of the park.
A U.S. Forest Service officials says the blaze has consumed more than 1,000 acres since it was reportedly sparked Thursday when a motor home caught fire.
The California Highway Patrol reports that Highway 140 is closed from a point east of Mariposa to the park's gate. Some local traffic is being escorted through, but officials suggest that tourists traveling to the park take Highways 121 or 41 instead.
Fire Sparked Near Yosemite National Park
Fire officials say the fire will take days to extinguish because of its location -- a rugged area of heavy brush and timber.
The wildfire is burning on Sierra National Forest land and is not within Yosemite's boundaries.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
