Dome Fire Update, September 18, 2026 (morning

News Release Date: September 18, 2026

Current Situation

1,977 acres
10% containment
386 personnel

The Dome Fire remained active overnight with moderate activity to the north and northwest. The fire is moving to the north and northwest with slow backing behavior, while it has reached the 2017 Empire Fire footprint to the north and northeast with creeping and smoldering behavior. Numerous spot fires continue to be well out ahead to the north of the fire due to gusty, ridge winds from the south.

Today, ground and air resources are continuing efforts to fully suppress the fire. Multiple hotshot crews have been flown into the fire, and they continue to create and improve direct hand lines along the western and eastern flanks from the heel of the fire. Firefighters are working in steep, rugged terrain and utilizing natural barriers and previous fire footprints where possible. Ground crews are supported by continuous water drops by multiple helicopters assigned to the fire.

California Incident Management Team 3 has now assumed command of the Dome Fire, taking over responsibility for all incident operations and planning.

Weather

Warming temperatures andlower relative humidity are expected over the weekend. Typical daily wind patterns are expected in the fire area with late morning and afternoon west winds around 10 mph. A few gusts around 15-20mph are possible on exposed ridges this afternoon with slightly lower wind speeds on Saturday.

Evacuations

There are no evacuation orders or warnings in place. There are no immediate threats to infrastructures or developed areas.

Closures

Yosemite National Park is open and operating normally, with the following exception. The ChilnualnaFalls trail, as well as the trails from the top of Chilnualna Falls towards Buena Vista and Crescent Lakes, are closed due to the Dome Fire. (These lakes are reachable from the east.)