A wildfire in the Sierra National Forest trapped vacationers over the weekend and helicopter rescues were required. The fire sent billowing smoke into the Yosemite area and heaps of ash onto classic rock routes.
The Creek Fire was burning just south of Yosemite, it began Friday evening and was going strong by Saturday. Of the 63 people rescued, two were severely injured and 10 were moderately injured.
The fire sent big plumes of smoke into the air, affecting the air quality for kilometres around and turning the sky a dark orange.
The air quality in Yosemite was better Sunday morning, as winds picked up. Unfortunately, that wind is contributing to difficult fire-fighting conditions coupled with the extreme heat California is currently experiencing.
Gripped contributor, Chris Van Leuven, sent us the below video by Tom Herbert of ash falling off El Capitan. For more information on the fire visit here.