A Mariposa resident watches flames rise from along 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]

(Xinhua News Agency, Chinadaily.com.cn July 30, 2008)