Wildfire burning near Yosemite Valley causes unhealthy air in California national park

Fire crews are battling a small wildfire near Yosemite Valley inside the national park in central California.

The Pika Fire was sparked by lightning June 29 and has charred 50 acres at the 7,100-foot elevation northwest of North Dome near the northeastern section of Yosemite Valley.

The Yosemite Fire and Aviation group on Facebook reported Thursday that crews are using a confine and contain strategy under favorable conditions.



They are allowing the fire to move “naturally across the landscape, providing ecological benefits to plants and wildlife, while also meeting protection objectives to minimize risk to people and infrastructure.”

Smoke, however, has been a problem from the Pika Fire, impacting Yosemite Valley overnight and earlier in the day until smoke lifts during the afternoon, park officials said.

Rangers said unhealthy conditions were experienced Wednesday evening and Thursday morning in the Yosemite Valley.

Park officials said conditions will be the same Friday with slight impacts in El Portal and Groveland.

Trail closures went into effect Tuesday evening, impacting short sections of the North Dome Trail and Lehamite Creek Trail, park officials said.

Park officials Thursday estimated a containment date of July 30.