Sections of Yosemite National Park closed “indefinitely” due to fire

Thick smoke blankets Yosemite Valley in California’s Yosemite National Park, July 26, 2018. Thousands of tourists were evacuated a day earlier, as one of the country’s most iconic natural preserves was blanketed with thick smoke from a 38,000-acre fire. (Jim Wilson/The New York Times) less Thick smoke blankets Yosemite Valley in California’s Yosemite National Park, July 26, 2018. Thousands of tourists were evacuated a day earlier, as one of the country’s most iconic natural preserves was ... more Photo: JIM WILSON / NYT Photo: JIM WILSON / NYT Image 1 of / 24 Caption Close Sections of Yosemite National Park closed “indefinitely” due to fire 1 / 24 Back to Gallery

As a growing wildfire continues to blanket Yosemite Valley with smoke, the valley itself and major sections of the national park will remain closed “indefinitely,” officials said.

“It is just not safe for visitors and employees in the park,” said Yosemite National Park spokesman Scott Gediman.

Firefighters have been working through the night to contain the Ferguson fire, which started last month, and has since grown to nearly 90,000 acres. While the majority of the roads to the national park are closed, Tioga Road from Tioga Pass to White Wolf is still open to all visitors and vehicles. Many of the trails and campgrounds around this route are open as well.

But as unfavorable fire conditions are expected to continue throughout the week — high temperatures, high winds and low humidity — Gediman said it is not “feasible” to have people in the park.

Officials had originally hoped to re-open at least parts of the valley by Sunday.

Gediman said the weather conditions, along with the “steep, rugged,” terrain are exacerbating the fire conditions.

“In short, it is a very difficult fire to fight,” he said.

Trisha Thadani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tthadani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TrishaThadani