"Dog Rock Fire" prompts evacuations in Yosemite, HWY 140 closed
FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A vegetation fire near Foresta in Yosemite National Park has prompted the park service to evacuate 60 homes. The fire has also closed Highway 140 into Yosemite.
The fire was reported around 2:45 this afternoon and has burned approximately 210 acres. It is located along Highway 140 between Yosemite View Lodge and the Yosemite Arch Rock Entrance -- below the town for Foresta. Authorities said the 60 evacuated homes are privately owned, but most are vacation rental homes.
Fire crews and aircraft are on scene and responding to the fire. The community of Foresta has been evacuated.
Access to Yosemite Valley is available Highway 41 and Highway 120.
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Dog Rock Fire Update - October 7, 2014 at 10 p.m.
- The Dog Rock fire began along the El Portal road near Dog Rock around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday
- The cause is unknown.
- Highway 140 will remain closed until further notice due to fire operations and accident investigation. We anticipate this closure to be in place for 24-48 hours.
- Yosemite Valley will remain off power for the next 24 hours. Power will be restored as quickly as possible.
- The fire is 210 acres without containment estimates (updated 10/8/2014)
- Aviation resources will be heavily utilized to contain the perimeter.
- Evacuation orders are in effect for residents of Foresta. These evacuations will be lifted as soon as it is safe to do so.
- All of the other areas of the park remain open. California Highways 41, 120 - Big Oak Flat Road and Tioga Pass as well as the road immediately in the valley remain open.
- Smoke will likely be prevalent in El Portal in the morning and in Yosemite Valley in the afternoon.
