The inferno, known as the Rim Fire and labeled the biggest wildland fire in the history of California, continues to devour acres of nationally protected landscapes and threatens thousands of structures. More than 200 square miles have already been destroyed in and around one of America’s most treasured national parks, Yosemite. Groves of giant sequoias and a reservoir that serves as a water supply for millions of people are threatened by the blaze, while 3,800 firefighters battle the growing disaster. With claims of 20% containment and firefighting costs exceeding $20 million so far, the massive fire has been spreading since it was first reported in August 17.
See more photos in the Yosemite Rim Fire gallery and Wildfire group.
Photos from gcquinn, RickHap, California National Guard, kyletait, NASA Goddard Photo and Video, and smokeshowing.