Over 500 firefighters battle wildfire to protect iconic trees in U.S. Yosemite National Park

LOS ANGELES, July 11 (Xinhua) -- Authorities said Monday that more than 500 firefighters are battling a fast-moving wildfire to protect some of world's oldest and largest trees in the Yosemite National Park, one of the most visited national parks in the United States.

The Washburn Fire, reported Thursday afternoon, has grown to over 2,340 acres (around 9.47 square km) and is only 25 percent contained, threatening the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, the largest sequoia grove in the park.