Firefighters Continue to Battle California Wildfire

More than 5,000 firefighters are battling
a massive wildfire in the western U.S.
state of California that is expanding into
areas of a famous national park.
The U.S. Forest Service says the so-
called Rim Fire has engulfed more than
90,000 hectares since it started two
weeks ago on the edge of Yosemite
National Park. It has destroyed more
than 100 homes, businesses and other
structures, with about 4,500 other
structures still threatened.
Firefighters say they have contained 40
percent of the massive blaze. They now
estimate it will take until October 20 to
fully contain the Rim Fire, a full month
longer than expectations voiced just two
days ago.
The wildfire is still some distance from
Yosemite National Park's major
attractions, including granite rock
formations and waterfalls.
It is the largest fire in the United States
this year and the fifth largest California
wildfire on record.
Mandatory evacuations are in place in
at least two areas.
Authorities have been using an
unmanned military Predator drone,
similar to those used in Afghanistan, to
provide information on new fires they
would otherwise not be able to see.
The cause of the fire that broke out
August 17 is under investigation. It is
one of dozens of large wildfires burning
in the western United States, which has
been plagued by a lack of snow and
rainfall this year.