Yosemite wildfire smokes out tourists

California’s Rim Fire, which has been burning near and in Yosemite National Park for 13 days, is now 32 percent contained, fire officials said Friday morning. Air quality has improved near Lake Tahoe and in Reno, Nev.

Good weather, including lower temperatures, higher humidity and lighter winds, have helped the more than 4,900 fire-fighters battling the blaze make progress, Dan Berlant, Cal Fire spokesman, said, according to the (Sonora) Union Democrat.

However, with higher temperatures and lower humidity forecast, officials say it will take longer than initially predicted to fully contain the fire. Fire officials now say they expect to fully contain the fire by Sept. 20.

While the Rim Fire has been focused on 20,000 acres along the northern edge of Yosemite and not threatened Yosemite Valley or famous landmarks like Half Dome, some mountain towns have seen a notable drop in tourists.

Tourists are canceling campground reservations in Yosemite, park officials said, but the coveted camping spots are quickly being filled by other visitors who realize that most of Yosemite remains open and smoke-free.

Park officials said they expected fewer people to visit Yosemite during Labor Day weekend due to the fire – about 3,000 cars a day, down from the typical 5,000 cars.

The Rim Fire, one of 10 currently burning in California, is now the 5th largest wildfire in state history.