Wildfire in Yosemite still burning, Squaw Valley fire contained

Firefighters continued on Saturday to battle a wildfire in Yosemite National Park that has scorched 455 acres and is 25 percent contained. The Tenaya fire, which broke out Sept. 7, is located along Lehamite Creek Trail from the north rim of the Valley to Tioga Road.

There has been one minor injury but no threat to structures. There are 270 personnel assigned to the fire.

Fire officials don’t expect the fire to spread on the west flank as crews work on constructing a fire line. The fire continues to move across slopes, burning through surface fuels and the understory of trees.

Firefighters dealt with spot fires and no new fires were found, officials said.

There is a reduced need for air tankers because of the efforts of firefighters, but fire retardant has been used in fighting the fire.

Fire officials are looking for opportunities to use granite rock, trails and other natural barriers to stop the fire’s forward progress and to have the least impact on the environment, cultural and historical features.

Standing dead trees are potential hazards to firefighters if they fall, but officials said they are being preserved when possible.

There is a risk to firefighter and visitor safety.

A safety closure is in place and was issued by the park superintendent, officials said. All trails on the north rim of Yosemite Valley south of Tioga Road and east of Yosemite Creek are closed.

There is no estimated containment date, and the fire’s cause is being investigated.

Meanwhile, the Creek fire, which began burning in Squaw Valley on Sept. 9, burned 170 acres and is 100 percent contained.

This story was originally published September 12, 2015 at 7:27 PM with the headline "Wildfire in Yosemite still burning, Squaw Valley fire contained."