Fire spreads toward thousands of homes near YosemiteStory Highlights
Wildfire threatens about 2,000 homes west of Yosemite National Park
Power cut to Yosemite National Park; 170 homes evacuated
900 firefighters battling the blaze in "extremely dangerous situation"
Cause of the fire is "definitely target shooting," says fire official
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MIDPINES, California (AP) -- A fast-spreading fire burning near an entrance to Yosemite National Park forced the evacuations of 170 homes and caused officials to cut power to the park.
High temperatures and low humidity hampered firefighting efforts near Yosemite National Park Saturday.
The fire grew from about 1 ½ square miles to 25 square miles on Saturday, and was threatening about 2,000 homes, said Daniel Berlant, a spokesman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
About 900 firefighters battled the blaze that burned on both sides of a steep, rugged canyon along the Merced River.
Most of the evacuated homes are in the town of Midpines, located along Highway 140, the thoroughfare that leads to the west entrance of Yosemite National Park.
State fire spokeswoman Karen Guillemin said the cause of the fire, dubbed the Telegraph Fire, "is definitely target shooting," but would not elaborate.
Fire crews on Saturday were being flown into the hard-to-reach area. Crews had to hike several hours to get to the fire because smoke prohibited aircraft from flying in the area.
"Dozers are trying to push dirt as fast as they can to get safety zones for our firefighters that are out there," Guillemin said. "Crews are cutting brush as fast as they can but it's an extremely dangerous situation at this point."
The California National Guard planned to send two Blackhawk helicopters, Capt. Al Bosco said.
