Large fire burning in Yosemite National Park

The Washburn fire located in Yosemite National Park is out of control and is now threatening sequoias in the park as the blaze grows in size.

Fire crews are working to save the giant trees, some of which are believed to be 2,000 years old.

About 550 firefighters are working to get the blaze under control. The fire is located about five miles south of the community of Wawona.

Wawona, Wawona Road south of Yosemite West, and the Mariposa Grove are closed until further notice. Other areas remain open but users can expect smoky conditions.

The area is currently experiencing a severe drought and no precipitation is expected for the next ten days at least.

Yosemite National Park is in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. It covers an area of 3,027 km².