The Maripose Grove, home to hundreds of gigantic redwoods, is now under immediate danger due to severe wildfires that started last Thursday in Yosemite National Park’s southern region, which have more than quadrupled in size over the weekend.
Despite the endangered area was closed on Thursday, flames are now getting closer to the protected space. On Friday, a large number of visitors were evacuated from neighboring Wavona, California, as well as from the town’s campsite.
According to National Park Fire Department spokeswoman Nancy Philippe, firefighters are doing all they can to keep the trees away from fire, including using irrigation systems to enhance soil moisture. The gigantic sequoias, the world’s tallest trees, are native to Nevada and have a lifespan of up to 3,000 years. According to local reports, they have not yet sustained any harm.
