News Release

KNP Complex Update – September 30, 2021

Date: September 30, 2021
Contact: KNP Complex Information, PUBLIC: [phone] (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Contact: MEDIA, [phone] (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)

SOUTHWEST AREA TYPE 1 INCIDENT TEAM 2
Dave Bales - Incident Commander

Acres: 49,349 acres (based on infrared flight) Containment: 11%
Start Date: September 10, 2021 Cause: Lightning
Jurisdiction: Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park
Resources: 1,949 personnel including: 53 crews, 78 engines, 44 water tenders, 35 dozers and 17 helicopters

Yesterday, fire activity was minimal in most areas along the perimeter. Firefighters continued to scout and construct direct line, strengthen and hold existing lines, monitor the perimeter and work on contingency lines. As smoke and conditions allowed, helicopters conducted buckets drops on isolated pockets of heat, slowing fire spread on the western perimeter, in the Pine Grove area, and the east side of Generals Highway. Crews constructed containment line north of Lodgepole, and structure protection groups continued to shore up protections for local communities.

Today, a drying weather trend is expected to increase fire activity. Structure protection groups will remain positioned to focus on and protect local communities including Three Rivers, Hartland and Ash Mountain, the giant sequoia groves, historic buildings and other infrastructure. Helicopters are available to conduct bucket drops to support firefighters on the ground. Crews continue to work along Mineral King Road in anticipation of increased fire activity and look for opportunities to safely construct direct line north of Mineral King Road. Firefighters continue to prep and protect the Giant Forest, Muir, Lost, and Redwood sequoia groves.

There have been no new evacuation Warnings or Orders for the KNP Complex in the past 24 hours. All evacuation warnings and orders that that have been issued are still active. Areas currently under an 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 a warning or order at tularecounty.ca.gov/emergencies. A Red Cross evacuation center is located at the Woodlake Community Center at 145 Magnolia St, Woodlake, CA.

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 the resulting poor air quality. Track your local air quality at www.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/FresnoCA

Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. IF YOU FLY, WE CAN’T. Every time a drone is spotted near the fire all firefighting aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of this area. More info visit: knowbeforeyoufly.org.

FIRE INFORMATION:

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

EMAIL: [e-mail]

InciWeb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7838/
Facebook/Twitter/Instagram: @SequoiaKingsNPS