Single Publication

 October 28, 2021 

Acres: 88,307 acres
Containment: 69% 

Start Date: September 10, 2021

Cause: Lightning 

Jurisdiction: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks; Sequoia National Forest 

Resources: 532 personnel including: 8 crews, 13 engines, 5 water tenders, 2 dozers and 6 helicopters 

 

Firefighters on the KNP Complex were able to get back out in areas of the fire perimeter as safety permitted. A fixed-wing aircraft (airplane) surveyed the entire fire area, taking video as well as infrared footage. The flight showed the fire had grown slightly in the northeast area and is moving toward the granite barrier which runs near Kettle Peak, Twin Peaks and Mount Silliman. This granite barrier should halt the fire’s progress and firefighters are monitoring the fire’s activity. The flight also showed fire activity near Atwell Grove. Crews are working to clear mud and debris from Mineral King Road to allow firefighters back into this area as soon as possible. They will then work ensure the fire is not a threat to any Giant Sequoias. Much of the fire has not shown any growth and is staying within established containment lines. Road maintenance crews from Kings Canyon National Park have cleared General’s Highway from the Big Stump area to Ash Mountain. This area is open to administrative staff and emergency traffic only. Road crews will continue working to clear General’s Highway and Mineral King Road toward the Silver City area to allow crews access. 

Suppression repair work is continuing in areas where crews have access and can operate safely. While the rain has greatly increased the dead fuel moisture in the 1, 10 and 100-hour fuels, the rain has had very little impact on the 1,000-hour fuels. Dead fuel moisture is the moisture content of dead organic fuels, which is controlled entirely by exposure to environmental conditions. A 1,000-hour fuel is any vegetation or combustible material ranging from 3-6 (or more) inches in diameter. Fire behavior in most areas of the KNP Complex will be minimal, however, there will still be areas of heavy, dead fuels that have been sheltered from precipitation, by leaf canopy or other barriers, or that are burning on the inside. These fuels will continue to give off heat. Smoldering and fire activity is expected to increase as conditions become warmer and drier.  

Weather: High pressure will bring further warming and drying through the end of the week with light terrain driven winds. A weak disturbance will move in over northern California this weekend bringing a little cooling and a slight increase in humidity and winds. 

Safety: Please be aware of and respect closures and reduce speeds when traveling in and around the fire area.  

Evacuations: Visit: https://nifc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=4b2ac27b5c8943ed92c0e77aa94daca0.