Parts of Yosemite are starting to reopen as wildfires ease off
Yosemite Valley is set to reopen to travellers after it was forced to close for three weeks due to nearby wildfires.
See also: Here’s what you need to know about California’s wildfires
The fire, which has burned nearly 40,000 hectares on Yosemite’s western boundary since early July, continues to burn just five kilometres from the Valley, but officials said there is no reason to keep the area closed.
USA Today reports two firefighters have died battling the blaze and has destroyed more than 1,000 homes.
Though Yosemite Valley is only a small part of the park, it is it’s most popular tourist destination, home to the iconic Yosemite Falls, El Captain and Half Dome.
“We feel that it is safe to have visitors back in,” Scott Gediman, a Yosemite park spokesman, said according to The Mercury News.
“There has been a lot of tremendous firefighting done. The containment lines are in place and they are holding. Roads are in good shape.”
Conde Nast Traveller reports hotels and campgrounds in the park will soon reopen too, along with some restaurants and stores but park rangers are asking visitors to drive with caution because of smoke on the roads, and warn there may be travel delays in the area.
This is the first time in 28 years that Yosemite has been shut down because of fire, and The Mercury News reports it has been costly.
It’s estimated hotels and businesses outside Yosemite Valley have lost $300,000 per day.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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