Yosemite’s redwoods under threat from California fires after Los Angeles homes destroyed

The giant sequoia trees that have stood for thousands of years in Yosemite National Park are under threat from a fire that is ripping across the western United States.

Key points:

• Seventy-two homes were destroyed in northern California, four destroyed in LA
• Yosemite National Park is home to some of the biggest trees in the world
• Montana’s 103yo Lake McDonald Lodge under threat from fire in north-western US

Several destructive fires have torn through California, driven by strong winds combined with high temperatures and dry conditions.

In the state’s north, a fire destroyed 72 homes and forced the evacuation of about 2,000 people from their houses.

A fire that destroyed four homes in Los Angeles and threatened hillside neighbourhoods is no longer actively burning, but firefighters remain at the scene in case the wind reignites the blaze.

The fires have disrupted holiday travel and hampered firefighters during a Labor Day weekend that capped a devastating summer in which an area larger than Rhode Island (3,140 square kilometres) has burned.

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Source: Yosemite’s redwoods under threat from California fires after Los Angeles homes destroyed – ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)