"LOS ANGELES - Hot, dry weather conditions on Wednesday may stoke a largely unchecked California wildfire near Yosemite National Park as crews battle through steep terrain and thick smoke to protect a string of small mountain communities in the path of the flames.
The “Ferguson” Fire, which started on Friday night and killed a firefighter the following day, had charred nearly 20 square miles (52 square kilometers) and was burning just a few miles outside the park.
Wednesday’s temperatures are expected to reach at least 105 degrees Fahrenheit (42 C) and humidity will be in the teens, the National Weather Service said in its forecast.
A layer of thick black smoke prevented water-dropping helicopters and aircraft from flying low into narrow canyons, a fire spokeswoman said."
