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Contact: Mike Theune, 559-565-3703
SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, Calif. October 3, 2015–The Rough Fire had a huge impact on Kings Canyon National Park this summer. Because of the impacts of the fire Cedar Grove and the road to it, California Highway 180, have been closed to public entry for many weeks now. We know that Cedar Grove is a very popular destination for people from all over the world. Unfortunately rock fall is common along the roadway due to unstable cliff faces, active fire is still on the ridges above Cedar Grove, and fire crews are still working in the area. In the face of these hazards and in the interest of public and staff safety, the closure will remain in place until further notice. Currently park managers are working with fire staff, local and state government agencies, and other stakeholders to make assessments of the area. This includes a specialized fire response group known as a BAER (Burned Area Emergency Response) Team which looks at short-term and long-term effects the fire had on the ecosystem and infrastructure. The hope is that Cedar Grove will be open for normal operations in 2016;this as Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks join the 406 other National Park Service units across the world in celebrating our 100th anniversary. -NPS- About Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks' Fire Management Program For over forty years, our mission has been to use the full range of options and strategies available to manage fire in the parks. This includes protecting park resources, employees, and the public from unwanted fire; building and maintaining fire resilient ecosystems; reducing the threat to local communities from wildfires emanating from the parks or adjacent lands; and recruiting, training, and retaining a professional fire management workforce. -###- |
Last updated: October 3, 2015