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

Started on or about
09/29/2009

Status as of
10/15/2009

Cause
Project

Location
Giant Forest (CA)

Acreage Treated
24

Estimated Completion Date
September 30

Park Status
There will be trail closures located within the unit. Moro Rock Road will remain open with possible delays due to smoke.

Updates on Fire
Significant rain has fallen on this fire and diminished fire acrivuty.

Overview
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks announce plans to complete the Moro Prescribed Fire on Tuesday, September 29, weather and air quality conditions permitting. This unit should take one day to complete. This project provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to witness how fire encourages giant sequoia germination and provides a healthier habitat for these trees. The parks’ Fire Place will be located at the Moro Rock parking lot to provide enhanced educational activities for visitors during the prescribed fire. Opportunities to safely view the fire will exist from nearby trails.

Benefits of the Burn
This unit was last treated by prescribed fire in 1979. A natural fire cycle for a mixed conifer forest is approximately 10 to 15 years. 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. Giant sequoias are fire adapted and thrive in naturally cycling fire. Fire opens the cones, and releases the tiny seeds to the nutrient rich ash and mineral soil below—ideal conditions for this tree’s germination. Fire thins competing vegetation and trees and opens the canopy for this sun-loving species.

Contact Information
Michelle Puckett or Debra Schweizer
Phone Number: 559-565-4287 or 559-565-3703
Michelle_Puckett@nps.gov or Debra_Schweizer@nps.gov