Page 6 - MEDIA MONITORING JULY 16, 2018

Monday July 16, 2018
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Deadly fire shuts down key route to Yosemite National Park
MARIPOSA, Calif. (AP) — A wildfire that killed a Califor- nia firefighter grew quickly and forced the closure of a key route into Yosemite National Park as crews contended with swelter- ing conditions Sunday, au- thorities said. The blaze that broke out Friday scorched more than 6 square miles (16 square kilometers) of dry brush along steep, remote hillsides on the park's west- ern edge. It was burning largely out of control, and officials shut off electricity to many areas, including Yosemite Valley, as a safe- ty precaution. Guests were ordered to leave Yosemite Cedar Lodge on Saturday as flames crept up slopes and the air became thick with smoke. "You can't see anything, it's so smoky out- side. It's crazy," said front desk clerk Spencer Are- balo, one of a handful of employees who stayed be- hind at the popular hotel inside the park. He said it was surreal to see the prop- erty empty at the height of tourist season. "We're counting on being closed at least one more day,"
Crews battle the Ferguson Fire along steep terrain behind the Redbud Lodge along Highway 140 near El Portal in Mariposa County, Calif., on Saturday, July 14, 2018. Associated Press.
Arebalo said. Evacuations the park, and people in leave if flames approach. and motorists were urged
also were ordered in rural nearby lodges and motels A stretch of State Route 140 to find alternate routes.
communities just outside were told to be ready to into Yosemite was closed,
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