Rim Fire News

California Drought Causing Early Wildfire Risk

California’s worst drought in decades is feeding what may become a devastating wildfire season, one that is starting about five months early. Extremely dry conditions have sparked 487 wildfires so far in 2014, compared with only 2 for the same …

Rim Fire Results in Major Disaster Declaration in California

President Obama on Friday declared a major disaster in California as a result of the Rim Fire that burned for more than two months, ravaging 400 square miles of the state. The declaration means that federal funding will now be …

Sprinkler System Shrouds Home in Water Amid Fires

For Rain Makers Inc., gruesome wildfires such as California’s Rim fire serve as a grim reminder that Mother Nature may be the start-up’s best salesperson. The Washoe Valley-based company has developed a fire-protection system for homes and other buildings. Founder …

Hunter Caused Huge Wildfire Near Yosemite

A gigantic wildfire in and around Yosemite National Park was caused by an illegal fire set by a hunter, the U.S. Forest Service said Thursday. The agency said there is no indication the hunter was involved with illegal marijuana cultivation, …

Cause of Rim Fire Could Take Months to Determine

A federal forestry official says it’s unlikely a fire burning in and around California’s Yosemite National Park started at an illegal marijuana grow site. Jerry Snyder of the U.S Forest Service said Wednesday that the steep and inaccessible canyon where …

Fire Fighters Stretched Thin, Says Wildfire Expert

All eyes are on the Rim fire in California, yet for the fifth time in 10 years, our nation is at Preparedness Level 5, which means our firefighting capabilities are stretched thin and the government can opt to bring in …

Yosemite Fire ‘Poses Every Challenge There Can Be’

For 30 years, Ike Bunney has run a dude ranch amid the tall pines and steep canyons along the North Fork of the Tuolumne River in California’s Sierra Nevada. Now his 15 horses are safe in distant pastures as wildfire …