News Release

KNP Complex Update – October 9, 2021

Date: October 9, 2021
Contact: SEKI Fire Information, PUBLIC: [phone]
Contact: SEKI Fire Information, MEDIA: [phone]

Acres: 87,145 acres (based on infrared flight)
Containment: 20%
Start Date: September 10, 2021
Cause: Lightning
Jurisdiction: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park; Sequoia National Forest
Resources: 1,972 personnel including: 40 crews, 114 engines, 36 water tenders, 21 dozers and 14 helicopters

Announcement:  KNP Complex North and South Zone Virtual Community Meeting will be held Sunday October 10, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be live streamed to Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park Facebook Page and Sequoia National Forest Facebook Page. Please email [e-mail] with questions prior to the meeting. 
 
North Zone: Yesterday, on the north end of the fire, crews worked to mop up hot spots still smoldering after Wednesday night’s burning operation. Firefighters also worked around structures in Wilsonia and nearby sequoia groves. Rain fell on the fire yesterday with some areas receiving up to three-tenths of an inch, significantly decreasing fire behavior. Unfortunately, because of the hazards of rocks and snags falling down slope firefighters were unable to engage directly on the east side along Generals Highway. Humidity will remain high today and the fuels will remain moist. Although the potential for the fire to be spread by rolling materials still exists, the chances of forward progress are minimal. 

South Zone: After many weeks of hard work, containment has increased along portions of the western perimeter. Resources previously working in these areas are being strategically placed throughout the South Zone to assist with ongoing suppression efforts. Firefighters are moving back into the fire area after yesterday’s weather limited safe access. Line construction and hose lay is being put in place on the southwest corner to prevent further spread to the west of Mineral King Road. Handline and hose lays on the southeast corner connecting Mineral King Road and the East Fork Kaweah River have been completed. Crews are working to improve lines and mop up any remaining pockets of heat. Preparation and protection tactics are being utilized in Atwell Grove in the event the fire continues to move east. California Incident Management Team 1 has arrived and will assume command of the south zone at 6:00 pm tonight. 

Weather: Yesterday’s storms brought a wetting rain over the majority of the fire area. Today will be sunny and dry with light, north-northwesterly winds. 

Safety: As we start the weekend, please continue to respect closures and reduce speeds when traveling in and around the fire area. 

Evacuations: Evacuation ORDERS and WARNINGS are in place. For the most up-to-date information, visit: https://nifc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=4b2ac27b5c8943ed92c0e77aa94daca0. Learn to prepare for an evacuation by visiting https://www.readyforwildfire.org/. 

Closures: 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. View closures at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7838/

Smoke Impacts: As weather warms up over the next few days, smoke may be visible as fire consumes unburned pockets of vegetation within the fire perimeter. Current air quality updates can be found at https://www.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/FresnoCA.
 
Fire Information: PUBLIC: [phone] (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.); MEDIA: [phone]
EMAIL: e-mail us
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
YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe2YK0AO0yGBpcYosb3cguA