Wildfire near Yosemite National Park

Officials in California have issued evacuation orders to 13,000 homes as a wildfire, which has so far destroyed two properties, approaches residences in an area close to the Yosemite National Park.

The fire is currently uncontained and covers an area of over 1200 acres. The call to evacuate was made to 13,000 telephone numbers which included private homes and businesses.

The orders were issued on Monday (18/08/14) were made by Sheriff John Anderson who also declared a state of emergency in Madera County.

In Oakhurst, which lies approximately 16 miles from Yosemite, four hotels were evacuated and today (19/08/14) most classes in Yosemite Unified School District have been cancelled.

A further 2500 precautionary calls were made advising residents that there may be a need for them to evacuate.

Route 41 which runs into Yosemite was shut in the area of the fire and people travelling in the area were advised to use alternative routes.

A real concern for local officials and firefighters is that the fire is burning in close proximity to business premises which stores propane. The 30,000 gallon tanks were being protected by firefighters although precautions were being taken due to the risk of explosion.

There have been no reports of injuries.