Telegraph fire: Steer clear of Calfornia Highway 140 into Yosemite
The Telegraph fire continues to burn west of Yosemite National Park, subjecting California Highway 140 that leads into the park to unpredictable closures.
Though you can access Yosemite from Highway 140 via the Arch Rock entrance, park spokeswoman Kari Cobb recommends using other alternatives.
“Highway 140 is intermittently closing during the day, so it’s unpredictable at this point,” Cobb said, adding that the entrance is staffed for those who get through. “If you can find an alternative route, that’s the best idea.”
Recommended alternatives: take California Highway 41 up from Fresno and enter via the South Entrance; or take California Highway 120 and enter via the Big Oak Flat Entrance.
Smoke is still prevalent due to the fire, but Cobb said skies are clearer today than they were yesterday.
As of noon, the fire was 15% contained and had burned 29,600 acres, according to Yosemite’s website.
– Mary Forgione, Los Angeles Times staff writer
[Photo: Fire in Midpines, California, about 25 miles west of Yosemite National Park; by Robert Durrell / Los Angeles Times]
2 Comments on “Telegraph fire: Steer clear of Calfornia Highway 140 into Yosemite”
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July 30th, 2008 at 12:49 am
I was just wondering if my house is still standing and if the fire is still near my home in Midpines? I live at Whispering Pines and even though we were never fully evacuated we had to leave for medical reasonings.
July 30th, 2008 at 10:19 am
It’s a shame that the LA Times continues their sensationalist reporting. Rather than reporting the exciting fact that the road closures are mostly due to Air Operations - specifically helicopters coming within 10 feet of the roadway while dipping in the river to fill their water-tanks - you actually posted that folks should STEER CLEAR of Hwy 140. Drama, Fear, Uncertainty… it all sells I suppose.
CHP, CalFire and the NPS have all stated that traffic will be allowed through the Hwy 140 corridor from 8pm until 8am. This may seem like a moot point, but facts are facts - Highway 140 is not “Closed”. The CHP called it a soft-closure due to Air Operations and potential fire hazard. Roadway will be opened nightly (from 8pm until 8am) for escorted traffic.