News Release

Lost Grove Prescribed Burn Scheduled in Sequoia National Park

Date: October 10, 2017
Contact: Mike Theune, 559-565-3703
Contact: Rebecca Paterson, 559-565-3129

SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK, Calif. October 10, 2017 – As fall brings cooler temperatures throughout the parks, firefighters are preparing to begin ignitions on the Lost Grove Prescribed Burn as early as Sunday, October 15. The Lost Grove Prescribed Burn unit is located north of Dorst Campground in Sequoia National Park and south of Stony Creek in Sequoia National Forest. It is bordered to the south by the Generals Highway, and is planned to be 669-acres in size. Ignitions will continue for four to seven days, depending upon conditions.

The purpose of this prescribed burn is to restore fire which will reduce dead and down wood as well as live vegetation within a forest stand that has not seen fire in the recorded history of the parks. The prescribed burn is meant to restore a more sustainable density, protect the area from catastrophic wildfire, and create favorable conditions for regeneration within the Lost Grove of giant sequoias.

This prescribed burn unit is comprised almost entirely of designated wilderness, and will be closed for the duration of the project in order to protect public safety. There is also a high probability of road delays on the Generals Highway between Stony Creek Lodge and Dorst Campground from sunset to sunrise due to smoke across the road. Visitors should expect to see firefighters at traffic control check points providing vehicle escorts when safe to do so. Please plan accordingly and expect delays.

During the day and early evening, visitors driving on the Generals Highway in the Lost Grove area may see active flame, smoke, firefighters, and firefighting equipment on or near the roadway. Please drive slowly and observe signage and directions from park employees and firefighters.

The community of Three Rivers may experience smoke impacts at night during the ignitions phase of the project, continuing and lessening as fuels in the interior of the unit are consumed. Visitors can learn more about air quality and smoke by visiting either www.airnow.gov or www.valleyair.org.

For more information on this prescribed fire please, visit Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5643/ There, the public can find information about the prescribed burn, maps, and photos.

-NPS-