Monday, August 6, 2018

Firefighters Battle to Contain Ferguson Fire as Smoke Blankets Yosemite

The Ferguson fire raging in Mariposa County has now burned over 91,000 acres and continues to grow on several fronts. Fire has been edging toward the western part Yosemite national park. Heavy smoke from the fire has produced unhealthy air quality throughout much of the park, forcing the closure of Yosemite Valley, Wawona and other areas. A falling tree claimed the life of a second firefighter on July 29th. Brian Hughes was captain of the arrowhead hotshots. That follows the death of bulldozer operator Braden Varney of Modesto two weeks ago. On Friday, firefighting authorities briefed local residents on fire conditions. Vic Bedoian reports from Fresno.