Wildfire outside Yosemite National Park prompts evacuations

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. (KABC) -- Evacuations are in place for the community of Foresta as firefighters battle a wildfire outside Yosemite National Park.

The fire is burning in Merced Canyon, near El Portal, and has burned approximately 2,100 acres, according to authorities. Ten homes have been destroyed.

The National Park Service's Turtleback Dome and Air Quality Webcam shows a large amount of smoke billowing into the air.

Foresta is considered to be directly threatened, authorities said.

Crews were attacking the flames from the air and ground. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

Meanwhile, the "Sand Fire" burning east of Sacramento has forced the evacuation of more than 500 homes. So far, five homes have been destroyed.

The fire is currently racing through the Sierra Nevada foothills of Amador County, moving eastward.

Several vineyards have also been threatened.

Firefighters say high winds and dry brush have helped fuel the flames, charring more than 4,000 acres in just 24 hours.