A tanker drops retardant on the rim fire in this United States Forest Service handout photo near Yosemite National Park, California, released to Reuters Aug. 30, 2013.
The U.S. Forest Service claims that firefighters may have contained up to 70% of the historic rim fire currently burning for its third week in northern California. With more temperate weather and possible showers on the way, officials say firefighters are making progress. However, it may be another month before the flames are completely extinguished, authorities say.
While the historic inferno has consumed more than 230,000 acres of pristine Californian forest since Aug. 17, including a large swath of Yosemite National Park, the blaze failed to keep tourists from flocking to one of America’s most beloved national parks during the Labor Day weekend. According to a report by AFP, the fire is burning approximately 15 miles from the renowned Yosemite Valley that is home to some of the continent’s most iconic scenery, including the Half Dome and El Capitan.
To date, the wildfire has reportedly cost the state of California approximately $39 million.
[CNN]
PHOTOS: Rim Fire Tears Through 252 Square Miles Near Yosemite National Park