Dome Fire Update, September 19, 2026 (morning)

News Release Date: September 19, 2026

Current Situation

2,335 acres
15% contained
497 personnel

The Dome Fire grew 149 acres overnight, and containment remains at 15%. The Dome Fire continues to move towards the old and existing fire perimeters of the 2017 Empire and South Fork Fires. These are expected to help slow the growth of the fire. Structure protection: Special structure protection groups are in place to be prepared to defend the areas of Badger Pass, Wawona, and Yosemite West should the need arise. Contingency groups are also in place.

Crews

Four helispots have been constructed to help facilitate crew insertions, direct line construction and provide logistical support for existing and additional arriving hotshot crews, highly trained fire crews used mainly to build fireline by hand. Three crews were inserted via helicopter yesterday, and six more have been ordered and are en route. Crews are remaining on the fire line so they can stay engaged and reduce
travel times to the fire. These crews are being supported with water, food, and equipment via helicopter.

Suppression

While firefighter and public safety remain our primary concern, the Dome Fire continues to be fought as a full suppression fire utilizing direct extinguishing tactics. Air operations: Smoke impacts will cause poor visibility and will delay flight operations until late morning. Smoke will impact views of the valley until the inversion lifts. A total of nine helicopters, including water-dropping and crew-transport aircraft, are supporting the
fire. For crew safety, Yosemite National Park's Helicopter 551 is available for short-haul, along with a hoist ship and Rapid Extraction Modules (REMs).

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 Chilnualna Falls trail, as well as the trails from the top of Chilnualna Falls toward Buena Vista and Crescent Lakes, are closed due to the Dome Fire. (These lakes are reachable from the east.) The closed area extends east of the Wawona Road from Wawona to Chinquapin, as seen on the public information map.

Weather

Warm temperature and dry conditions will continue across the area through the weekend. A weak weather system will push into the area, bringing clouds but no anticipated precipitation. Temperatures will be slightly cooler compared to yesterday, with little change in humidity. Typical winds are expected over the next several days.

Smoke Outlook

Today we will enjoy a day of GOOD air quality in El Portal, Mariposa, and Tuolumne Meadows. Hodgdon Meadow will likely stay in the MODERATE range for most of the day. Visitors to Yosemite Valley may experience brief periods of light smoke this afternoon, but otherwise air quality will be
MODERATE, similar to yesterday. The UNHEALTHY air quality that Wawona is experiencing this morning should improve to MODERATE by the
afternoon, but smoke returns this evening. Visit fire.airnow.gov for more information.

Bear awareness

Bears are more active, and the smell of smoke can remind them of cooking food. Store all food and trash properly, keep 100 yards from bears, and never feed wildlife.

Incident Command Post

The current incident command post is at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds. Please be aware of additional fire-related traffic in and around the area for the next week.

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