Wildfire blazes near Yosemite

A growing American wildfire has forced the evacuations of 170 homes near the main entrance road to Yosemite National Park and is threatening more.

The blaze grew from about 40ha to around 4050ha at the weekend, said a spokesman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Meanwhile, a fire on the Greek island of Rhodes raged for a fifth day yesterday, despite efforts by firefighters, soldiers, planes and helicopters.

An estimated 3000 tourists were evacuated from locations near the fire to the city of Rhodes.