Authorities in the western U.S. state of California say firefighters are making slow progress and have contained 23 percent of a massive wildfire that is threatening a famous national park.

The U.S. Forest Service said Wednesday the so-called Rim Fire has burned more than 725 square kilometers. Nearly 4,200 firefighters have been deployed to battle the blaze, which has consumed about 76,000 hectares of land, including part of Yosemite National Park. Their efforts have been hampered by strong winds, high temperatures and extremely dangerous fire conditions.

The massive fire has destroyed more than 100 homes, businesses and other structures, up from just two dozen the day before. Authorities say the recent increase in destroyed structures is due to losses at a family camp, which included 85 tent cabins and outbuildings.

Mandatory evacuations are in place in at least two areas.

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.

Some information for this report was provided by AP. [Read More]

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Source: VOA News: War and Conflict