A fire near Yosemite National Park has tripled in size threatening surrounding communities and forcing tourists to leave the area. 

The fire, which has grown to be more than 165 square miles, was only 2 percent contained on Thursday. Down from the 5 percent it was earlier in the day. 

So far, two homes and seven buildings have been destroyed. Yosemite Park remains open, however the State Route 120, one of the west side entrances to the park has closed. Park officials have stated that the park has not been impacted and can still access entrances on State Routes 120, 140, and 141. 

Park spokesman Scott Gediman stated, “The fire is totally outside the park, the park's very busy, people are here. There's no reason that they should not come."

CA Governor Jerry Brown has declared a state of emergency due to the size of the fire. However, this is only one of the 50 uncontained fires burning across the west. 

Officials have evacuated the summer community of Pine Mountain and nearby Groveland. Many businesses have closed and people who were panning to vacation in the area have cancelled. Many local businesses will suffer the economic consequences of the fire, as it is high tourist season.

Reach Executive Producer Helene Imperiale here. Follow her here.