Around 800 firefighters backed by helicopters are battling a large wildfire on the western edge of the Yosemite National Park in California.<br /><br />The El Portal blaze broke out on Saturday and forced the evacuation of two communities and three campsites.<br /><br />Forecasters suggest thunderstorms are due in the area, which may help or impede authorities.<br /><br />Scott Gediman, is from the Yosemite National Park:<br />“Thunderstorms are a double-edged sword. They can help us with rain. We got some thunderstorms last weekend that dumped a lot of rain, certainly the moisture would be good, however lightning strikes and igniting more fires is certainly a concern.”<br /><br />Rescue teams are having to work in difficult terrain. The vegetation is extremely dry and the hillsides steep.<br /><br />Last year the park fell victim to the destructive Rim Fire.
