These Tuesday, July 18, 2017, webcam photos provided by the Yosemite Conservancy show the monolith known as Half Dome as smoke from the Detwiler fire swirls into Yosemite Valley, from late morning to early afternoon, in Yosemite National Park, Calif. The Northern California blaze is also threatening powerlines that provide electricity to the park, officials said. The park remained open Wednesday but several roads frequented by tourists were closed. (Webcam by Yosemite Conservancy at yosemiteconservancy.org via AP)
The Detwiler Fire has closed one of the main highways to Yosemite National Park.
Highway 140 through Mariposa is shut down, so park visitors must either enter from the north along Highway 120 or the south from Highway 41.
Park Ranger Jamie Richards said the highway closure has also made it difficult for some park employees to come to work and provide services.
“Trash collection and how frequently we’re able to get out and clean the restrooms, for instance," Richards said. "We have had a lot of park staff that’s been impacted by the evacuation and we’re working to pick up extra shifts in order to take care of all visitor needs.”
Richards said all restaurants, lodges, and campgrounds are open and operating though some places are using generators after losing power.
She said overall the park is still seeing plenty of visitors and the smoke from the fire has been minimal.
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