News Release

KNP Complex Update – September 19, 2021

Date: September 19, 2021
Contact: KNP Complex Fire Information, [phone] (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)

Acres:  21,777 acres (based on infrared flight)
Percent Containment: 0% 
Start Date: September 10, 2021
Cause: Lightning 
Jurisdiction: Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park 
Resources: 614 personnel including 21 crews, 21 engines, 11 water tenders, and 8 helicopters 

The KNP Complex, ignited by lightning on the night of September 9, continues to grow in Sequoia National Park. The two fires that comprised the complex, the Paradise Fire and the Colony Fire, merged Friday, and going forward will be considered a single fire.  
 
There was minimal fire growth on the fire yesterday. Smoke cleared up in the afternoon, allowing air operations to resume direct attack on the fire in steep terrain inaccessible to fire crews. This includes areas on the southern perimeter of the fire nearest the Three Rivers community. Contingency dozer line construction for community protection was accomplished in areas southwest of the fire, and plans were made for further dozer fire line construction. Despite the fire reaching the Four Guardsmen in the Giant Forest, fuel removal efforts by firefighters, combined with structure wrap applied by crews to the base of the sequoia trees, successfully protected them. Fuel reduction burning will continue today as weather conditions allow. 
 
The fire did not grow significantly in the direction of Three Rivers or park headquarters yesterday. Tulare County Fire and CAL FIRE continue to establish dozer lines and reinforce existing containment features, such as the Shepherd Saddle Road, between the community and the current fire footprint. Structure protection is underway in cabin communities along the Mineral King Road. More resources have arrived on the fire today, and direct suppression efforts will occur as weather conditions permit.  
 
The red flag warning continues through today. Crews are preparing for changes and possibly significant increases in fire activity. There have been no changes to evacuation warnings or orders at this time, but especially those that are currently under evacuation warning are urged to be ready to mobilize and leave should the warning escalate to an evacuation order. Explore a map of the areas under evacuation warning and order, as well as other evacuation resources, at www.tularecounty.ca.gov/emergencies. A Red Cross evacuation center is located at the Woodlake Community Center at 145 Magnolia St, Woodlake, CA. 
 
Sequoia National Park is closed to the public. Kings Canyon National Park remains open, but air quality impacts are significant. Air quality is seriously affected in Three Rivers. Particulate matter readings have been in the “hazardous” range for much of the day. Communities further from the parks are also feeling air quality impacts. Track your local air quality at www.fire.airnow.gov. 
 
Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Every time a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area. More info visit Know Before You Fly, http://knowbeforeyoufly.org. 
 
Fire Information (NEW): [phone] (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.), e-mail us  
InciWeb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7838/ 
Facebook/Twitter:  @SequoiaKingsNPS