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Authorities Battling US Wildfire Lift Evacuation Advisories


In this photo provided by the U.S. Forest Service, fire crew members stand watch near a controlled burn operation as they release a very pistol, as they fight the Rim Fire near Yosemite National Park in California, Sept. 2, 2013.
In this photo provided by the U.S. Forest Service, fire crew members stand watch near a controlled burn operation as they release a very pistol, as they fight the Rim Fire near Yosemite National Park in California, Sept. 2, 2013.
Authorities in California have lifted evacuation advisories around the well-known Yosemite National Park as firefighters battling a massive wildfire there continue to make gains.

The U.S. Forest Service said Wednesday firefighters have contained 80 percent of the so-called Rim Fire. Cooler temperatures and higher humidity have helped the 4,100 firefighters battling the blaze on the edge of the park.

The so-called Rim Fire has engulfed more than 96,000 hectares and covers about 960 square kilometers.

The fire is the largest in the United States this year and the fourth largest California wildfire on record.

The massive blaze is still some distance from Yosemite National Park's major attractions, including granite rock formations and waterfalls. But the wildfire has affected tourism at the park.

The cause of the fire that broke out August 17 is under investigation. It is one of dozens of large wildfires burning in the western United States, which has been plagued by a lack of snow and rainfall this year.
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