"Telegraph Fire" Having Minimal Impacts on Yosemite National Park

A wildfire burning west of Yosemite National Park has forced operations in the Yosemite Valley to run off of generators, and smoke is cutting visibility in some areas of the park. However, everything remains open in the park and all roads leading to it remain open.

The "Telegraph Fire" is burning across roughly 16,000 acres -- or 25 square miles -- about 30 miles west of Yosemite near Midpines, California. The blaze has forced PG&E to shut off the power lines that feed the Yosemite Valley. As a results, generators are keeping visitor services such as the Valley Visitor Center, lodging, restaurants, and stores open.

The power outage has had no impact on services and facilities in Tuolumne Meadows, Wawona, White Wolf, and other park destinations.

Yosemite visitors can expect some reduction in visibility and localized smoke in areas throughout the park. Those visitors with respiratory conditions should avoid smoky areas and vigorous activity where heavy smoke is present.