SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS RADIO) – Yosemite National Park is set to re-open its south entrance this weekend after the Washburn Fire forced its closure in early July.
For more, stream KCBS Radio now.
Crews are continuing to make progress fighting the Washburn Fire burning at the southern end of Yosemite. The fire has burned over 4,800 acres and is 58% contained. As conditions around the fire improve Yosemite's south entrance will reopen and should make a visit much easier to plan for those headed to the park.
"The fire is now burning out of the park it has left Yosemite National Park and burning in the Sierra National Forest," Tony McDaniel with the Yosemite Mariposa County Tourism Bureau told KCBS Radio.
McDaniel said air quality is improving with almost no smoke impacting the Yosemite Valley, Tioga Pass and the two smaller groves of sequoias.
"Of course, around that area where the fire is there's still some impacted air quality and smoke but that's part of the reason why that area remains closed," McDaniel said.
Between fire, rockslides and COVID, McDaniel said it has been a challenging couple of years for some local businesses.
"We are really pleased that this was not a fire that really impacted travel for a longer period because a lot of people here's businesses and livelihoods rely on steady tourist visitation," he explained.
The reopening should also improve traffic flows into Yosemite. The south entrance will reopen Saturday at 6 a.m.
DOWNLOAD the Audacy App
SIGN UP and follow KCBS Radio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Related
