Huge wildfire near Yosemite National Park forces tourist to fleeAugust 23, 2013 - 10:09 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A huge wildfire near Yosemite National Park in California has forced scores of tourists to flee during peak season and is threatening several thousand homes, BBC News said. The week-old Rim Fire tripled in size on Thursday, August 22 alone and now spans 84 square miles (217 sq km). More than 1,300 firefighters have been tackling the blaze in difficult terrain but have contained only 2% of it. California's governor has declared a state of emergency because of the fire, one of 50 burning in the western US. The blaze has not reached Yosemite itself, which remains open, officials said. But it has shut a stretch of motorway that is one of three entrances to the west side of the park, which receives up to 15,000 visitors a day in the summer. Park spokesman Scott Gediman told the Associated Press news agency that Yosemite Valley was clear of smoke, and all accommodation and attractions were open. However, the blaze in Stanislaus National Forest, west of Yosemite, has prompted evacuations in the summer community of Pine Mountain Lake, home to nearly 3,000 people, and at least two campgrounds. Meanwhile, five wildfires in Yellowstone National Park have scorched about 18 square miles of mostly remote areas. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |