Rim Fire in Yosemite area 75 percent contained; businesses suffer

GROVELAND, Calif. (KABC) -- Life is slowly returning to normal for people as crews gain the upper hand on the wildfire burning in and around Yosemite National Park.

The Rim Fire was 75 percent contained as of Tuesday morning.

Business owners in cities like Groveland are happy their stores, shops and restaurants are still standing, but they're coping with a dismal summer season.

The city's hotel is nearly empty, and the owners of the popular Iron Door Saloon say they've laid off 45 of their 50 employees.

Still, they're trying to come up with ways to get things back on track.

"We took a bit of a hit, but we have some plans to revitalize the business in the area," said Chris Loh, owner of the saloon. "Every business, I believe, we're going to be starting some Rim Fire specials starting next week to try to drum up some business for ourselves."

About 369 square miles, or 236,000 acres, have burned. The fire has destroyed 111 structures, including 11 homes.

About 4,300 firefighters continue to battle the wildfire, which broke out Aug. 17. Full containment is not expected until Sept. 20. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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