Ella Prescribed Fire
SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, CA
Prescribed Fire Treatment

Started on or about
10/11/2009

Status as of
10/15/2009

Cause
Project

Location
Grant Grove, Kings Canyon National Park (CA)

Acreage Treated
70

Estimated Completion Date
October 12th

Park Status
A portion of the South Boundary trail will be closed during this project for firefighter and public safety. Please see attached map for details.

Updates on Fire
Significant rain fell on this unit. Fire behavior has diminished.

Overview
Fire crews plan to begin ignitions on the Ella Prescribed Fire in Kings Canyon National Park on Sunday, October 11th, weather and air quality conditions permitting. This 70 acre unit is located west of Grant Grove and Highway 180. Ignitions should take two days to complete.

Vegetation Affected
Mixed conifer

Air / Smoke Issues
Visitors and residents should expect to see some smoke near Grant Grove, especially in the early morning hours when the prevalent inversion pattern holds smoke in the area. Fire managers will work closely with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to manage smoke production and reduce local impacts.

Benefits of the Burn
This unit was last treated by prescribed fire in 1995 so completion of the project maintains a natural fire cycle for the mixed conifer forest. A regular fire cycle improves forest health by reducing the amount of dead, woody debris that can lead to larger, more intense fires. Fire aids the sprouting and re-growth of plants, shrubs, and trees and creates a diverse habitat for plant and animals.

Contact Information
Deb Schweizer, Michelle Puckett
Phone Number: 559-565-3703, 559-565-4287
Debra_schweizer@nps.gov, michelle_puckett@nps.gov