Hikers Evacuated as Yosemite Fire Grows to 700 Acres

ByABC NEWS ABCNews logo
Monday, September 8, 2014

A wildfire in Yosemite National Park grew to 700 acres Sunday, with about 100 visitors rescued by helicopter, park officials said.



Sunday's strong winds and high temperatures fueled the fire, park spokeswoman Kari Cobb told ABC News.



Hikers were airlifted from Half Dome peak, a popular rock formation, as well as nearby campgrounds and hiking trails, Cobb said.



"We actually had a number of helicopters here in the park that were able to airlift these individuals back to Yosemite Valley so that they could be out of the way of the fire," Cobb said.



Other than trails near Half Dome, the park remains open, Cobb said.



No major structures were threatened Sunday.



The fire began weeks ago in the park's backcountry. Helicopters, air tankers and hotshot crews are battling the blaze.



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