Yosemite Hikers Evacuated from Wildfire

A small fire in the backcountry of Yosemite National Park that had been allowed to burn for forest restoration and various other reasons was transformed into a dangerous wildfire on Sunday by strong winds and high temperatures, reports the Fresno Bee. 

Park officials initiated an evacuation of roughly 100 hikers and backpackers, using helicopters to transport them from Half Dome and the wilderness above Yosemite Valley. They were moved to other parts of Yosemite Valley.

On Sunday evening, the wildfire, called the Meadow fire, had grown to threaten 700 acres, park officials said. 

Yosemite National Park spokeswoman Kari Cobb told the Bee that one helicopter is still searching backcountry areas for additional hikers.