Yosemite’s Dome Fire Swells, Trail Closures Still in Place

Saturday’s update on the Dome Fire was sobering: the blaze had already devoured 2,391 acres, and firefighters were only able to claim about 15% containment after a grueling fifth night on the line.

The fire ignited early Tuesday near Wawona Dome, a spot that’s become all‑too‑familiar for the park’s fire crews. Since Thursday it has almost doubled in size, a reminder of how quickly dry fuels can turn a spark into a full‑scale inferno.

Almost five hundred personnel are now on the ground, operating under California Incident Management Team 3. This multi‑agency team handles everything from logistics to public information, and they’ve been working around the clock to keep the fire from leaping into nearby structures.

“Our firefighters are battling through a wall of smoke in incredibly steep terrain,” explained Devin Young, the public information officer for the team. “Dead trees that could fall at any moment, plus the presence of bears, make it a very tricky situation.”

Helicopters have become a lifeline. Nine of them are buzzing over the canopy, dropping water and foam where ground crews simply can’t reach. “It’s a full‑suppression fire,” Young added. “We’re throwing everything we have—people, equipment, aircraft—at it right now.”

Fortunately, there’s no immediate danger to homes or park infrastructure, but the fire’s smoky plume is a real concern for nearby communities. The heavy timber, especially the dense red‑fir that dominates the area, feeds the smoke and can launch embers far beyond the flame front, sparking spot fires.

While Yosemite National Park remains open for visitors, several trails are temporarily off‑limits. The Chilnualna Falls Trail and the network that stretches toward Buena Vista and Crescent Lakes are closed, as is the stretch east of Wawona Road that reaches toward Chinquapin. Hikers planning a trip should check the latest closure map before heading out.

Fire officials expect the Dome Fire to keep burning for several more days. They’ll be watching the weather closely—especially wind—over the next 48 hours, because a gust could change everything in an instant.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and updates will continue to roll out as more information becomes available. For the latest, follow reporter Grant Johnson on social media platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.