Dome

Crews reinforce perimeter lines as fire pushes toward Ostrander Lake

Burning in Yosemite National Park near Wawona, the fire continues backing toward Alder Creek and advancing upslope toward Ostrander Lake. Firefighters have checked spot fires on the northeastern flank and contained a trail slopover while strengthening control lines on the northern, western, and southern perimeters. Yosemite National Park remains open, and contingency preparations continue around Wawona and Yosemite West.

Evacuations and Closures

• Glacier Point Road is closed to vehicular traffic due to heavy smoke and firefighting operations, though pedestrian access remains open via Four Mile and Panorama trails (updated October 5, 2026).
• Ostrander Lake Trail is closed to all visitor use (updated October 4, 2026).
• Chilnualna Falls Trail and trails connecting toward Buena Vista and Crescent Lakes are closed (updated October 4, 2026).
• The backcountry area east of Wawona Road between Wawona and Chinquapin remains closed (updated October 4, 2026).
• No community evacuation orders are in place, with structure assessments active around Yosemite West and Wawona (updated October 3, 2026).

Impact

Two helicopter pilots died when their firefighting aircraft crashed during water-dropping operations on September 30, 2026. Crews wrapped the historic Ostrander Ski Hut in protective wrap to defend it from advancing flames. Heavy smoke continues to settle into nearby valleys overnight before lifting by mid-morning.

Conditions and Outlook

Warm and dry conditions will persist over the coming days, with light to moderate winds shifting from northerly to easterly, very low afternoon humidity, and no rain expected. Firefighters plan to continue constructing line along the active eastern edge and utilizing natural granite barriers in steep terrain. Ground teams supported by pack mules and aircraft will focus on extinguishing spot fires and holding lines across wilderness corridors.

Cause and Context

Officials identified the cause as an abandoned campfire in the wilderness north of Chilnualna Falls. Fire spread and torching remain driven by heavy downed timber from past insect infestation and the 2017 Empire Fire burn scar.

Official updates current through October 6, 2026.