Map shows widespread closure area in Yosemite National Park due to Dome Fire

LATEST Sept. 22, 11 a.m.The ongoing Dome Fire has led to widespread closures within Yosemite National Park, and on Tuesday, the air quality dropped to unhealthy levels at iconic destinations in the park, including Yosemite Valley and Wawona. The blaze erupted on Sept. 15 near Wawona, and by the weekend, multiple trails had shut down and an expansive area in the park’s southwestern region was closed to visitors. 

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Closures include the Chilnualna Falls Trail and other trails from the top of Chilnualna Falls heading toward Buena Vista and Crescent Lakes. Additionally, the Ostrander Lake Trail and all areas farther south in the park are closed, along with areas east of Wawona Road from Wawona to
Chinquapin. 

The Dome Fire has scorched 3,522 acres in the park and is 15% contained. 

Two helicopter pilots killed fighting the blaze on Sunday, when their aircraft crashed, were given an honor procession on Monday. Video released by the U.S. Forest Service showed firefighting personnel and other first responders standing to pay their respects as the remains of the two men were transported to Modesto.

Sept. 22 9:30a.m.Two men killed when their helicopter crashed in Yosemite National Park on Sunday have been identified as Greg King and Ryan Cutter by their Oregon-based employer, Fly Precision.

In a statement the company thanked the public for their “thoughts and prayers.”

“These two men brought honor to the mission. Their dedication and service will never be forgotten,” the team at Fly Precision wrote in an Instagram post.

The men were taking part in water bucket drops to battle the Dome Fire near Wawona on Sunday when their helicopter went down just before 3 p.m, according to a preliminary report by the Federal Aviation Administration. The cause of the crash is not yet known. 

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The Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Protection issued a statement saying that King had also taken part battling Alaskan wildfires in the past and called his death a “devastating loss.”

“Greg was a dedicated aviator and a dear friend to many of us. We are mourning both pilots who bravely supported firefighting efforts, and our hearts go out to their families,” the divisino wrote in a social media post. 

A GoFundMe set up for Ryan Cutter’s wife described him as a “deeply loved husband, son, friend, and godfather.” 

The deaths of the two men are the first among firefighting personnel in California this year. The only other wildfire-related fatality occurred when a woman was killed during the Gann Fire in August in Calaveras County. At least 581 firefighting personnel are still battling the Dome Fire, which has burned 3,522 acres and is 15% contained, in a remote area of Yosemite National Park.