News Release

KNP Complex Update – October 3, 2021

Date: October 3, 2021
Contact: KNP Complex Fire Information, PUBLIC: [phone] (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
Contact: MEDIA, [phone]

Southwest Area Type 1 Incident Management Team 2

Dave Bales – Incident Commander

Acres: 62,761 acres (based on infrared flight)
Containment: 20%
Start Date: September 10, 2021
Cause: Lightning
Jurisdiction: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and Sequoia National Forest
Resources: 1,357 ¬personnel including: 26 crews, 61 engines, 40 water tenders, 21 dozers and 12 helicopters

Firefighters had another successful day because the smoke inversion kept fire activity from becoming extreme. Tactical firing operations continued along the northwest perimeter. Structure protection efforts are on-going for the communities of Eshom and Hartland. Crews on the northern flank progressed through Redwood Mountain Grove conducting firing operations to secure lines and minimize potential future fire impacts. Resources along Generals Highway progressed north to Cabin Creek with successful tactical firing operations as well.

Today, firefighters anticipate similar conditions depending on how weather and smoke lift out later in the day. Structure protection and tactical firing operations continue on the northwest corner of the fire. As conditions permit, crews will progress with tactical firing operations within the Redwood Mountain Grove and north of Cabin Creek along Generals Highway. Firefighters on the eastern flank continue securing the Giant Forest Grove while also supporting strategic firing operations to the north. On the southern perimeter, firefighters continue indirect suppression tactics improving Mineral King Rd. Resources are being shifted to the community of Silver City and the Mineral King area for structure protection as the fire continues to move south and east. Firefighters on the southwest edge remain in the communities of Three Rivers and Ash Mountain. Additional federal, state, and local resources are arriving, supporting firefighting efforts and being placed where needed. Aviation assets are available to support ground personnel as smoke and visibility permits.

Active fire behavior is expected as a ridge of high pressure remains over the fire bringing continued hot, dry, and smoky conditions. Humidity levels are expected to remain low while winds will continue to be light and terrain driven.

Evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect. Detailed KNP Complex evacuation information can be found at  https://tularecounty.ca.gov/emergencies/ and https://www.facebook.com/FresnoSheriff.. Information about how to prepare for evacuations can be found at https://www.readyforwildfire.org/.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are closed west of the Pacific Crest Trail and south of the ridgeline which lies north of Ionian Basin. In addition, the BLM Case Mountain Extensive Recreation Management Area and major portions of the Sequoia National Forest are also closed.

Communities surrounding the park and in the nearby region are being affected by smoke and poor air quality. Track your local air quality at https://www.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/FresnoCA.

Fire Information:

PUBLIC: [phone] (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.); MEDIA: [phone]

EMAIL: [e-mail]

INCIWEB: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7838/

FACEBOOK:

https://www.facebook.com/sequoiakingsnps/ and https://www.facebook.com/sequoiaNF/

TWITTER:

https://twitter.com/SequoiaKingsnps and https://twitter.com/sequoiaforest

INSTAGRAM:

https://www.instagram.com/Sequoiakingsnps