Residents watch flames rise from the bed of the Merced River along Highway 140, near Yosemite National Park in Midpines, California July 28, 2008. The fire, dubbed the "Telegraph Fire", has scorched more than 26,000 acres and consumed 12 homes. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Firefighter David Acosta surveys the surroundings as flames rise from the bed of the Merced River along Highway 140, near Yosemite National Park in Midpines, California July 28, 2008. The fire, dubbed the "Telegraph Fire", has scorched more than 26,000 acres and consumed 12 homes. [Agencies]