Second firefighter dies battling blaze near US nat’l park Yosemite

A sign on Highway 41 announces the closure of Yosemite National Park near Oakhurst, Calif., on Wednesday, July 25, 2018. Parts of the park closed Wednesday as firefighters work to contain the Ferguson fire burning nearby. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

REDDING, California – Authorities said a second firefighter has died fighting a huge blaze near California’s Yosemite National Park.

Mike Theune, a spokesman for the so-called Ferguson Fire, said the firefighter was treated for injuries at the scene Sunday but died before he could be hospitalized.

Theune said the firefighter was part of a crew removing brush and other fuel near the fire’s front lines. He didn’t have additional details.

Earlier this month, firefighter Barden Varney was killed when the bulldozer he was operating overturned. At least seven other firefighters have been injured since the blaze broke out July 13.

Some evacuations have been lifted but officials said Yosemite Valley, the heart of tourism in the park, will remain closed until August 3.   /kga