The wildfires raging in California are threatening to cause major damage to Yosemite National Park.

The rapidly spreading blaze started on Friday, July 13 and has now forced the closure of the one of the park’s main points of entry and exit.

Related Stories

New York City's High Line Now Has A Rival Park On The West Coast And It Looks Amazing

New York City's High Line Now Has A Rival Park On The West Coast And It Looks Amazing

There's A Secret Rooftop Rose Garden Right In The Heart Of Hollywood

There's A Secret Rooftop Rose Garden Right In The Heart Of Hollywood

The Hidden Park In New York That's Only Accessible By A Secret Key

The Hidden Park In New York That's Only Accessible By A Secret Key

Currently, the wildfire has affected over 9,000 acres. Highway 140 has been closed between Midpines and El Portal as a result. Though visitors can still access the park through alternator routes, park officials say that everyone can expect longer wait times at the gate.

Park officials are also warning anyone with breathing problems or those who are sensitive to smoke that visiting the park now could aggravate any respiratory symptoms. The fire is expected to continue to burn for several days before being contained, and UCLA climate scientist Dr. Daniel Swain has been quoted as saying that the fire has the potential to “become a major threat to the park.”

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.