Fire forces evacuations in Yosemite area, including the old Wawona Hotel
Evacuation orders remain in place for the tiny California community of Wawona as crews try to surround a stubborn, week-old fire in Yosemite National Park.
The U.S. Forest Service said Sunday that the blaze has grown slightly and charred nearly five square miles of dry brush. It’s 10% contained.
Authorities ordered residents in and around Wawona to evacuate Saturday as flames came within 1 ½ miles and air quality reached hazardous levels.
The evacuation order includes the historic Big Trees Lodge, formerly known as the Wawona Hotel.
The Mariposa County community, which has a population of 1,000 to 2,000 at any given time, is entirely within Yosemite.
The fire has closed campgrounds and trails in the park since it began Aug. 13.
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