Single Publication

October 30, 2021 

Acres: 88,307 acres     Containment: 73% 

Start Date: September 10, 2021 Cause: Lightning 

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

Resources: 537 personnel including: 8 crews, 13 engines, 5 water tenders, 1 dozer and 5 helicopters 

Yesterday, a helitack crew was inserted into the Red Meadow Cabin for the second day in a row to remove structure wrap and all other structure protection equipment. This mission was successfully completed and crews were able to assess Quinn and Walkers Cabins.  A plan will be implemented over the next few days to remove structure protection equipment for these two cabins. An infrared flight over the fire revealed remaining pockets of heat within the interior of the fire perimeter. This fire behavior is taking place in large pieces of fuel such as heavy, downed logs, as well as creeping through vegetation along the ground.  This creeping fire is in areas where the tree canopy is too thick for significant moisture to penetrate thru the canopy to reach the ground. In areas where this activity is close to the road, crews will assess the fire to determine if it is safe to actively engage based on terrain, hazard trees in the vicinity, and if there is a threat to containment lines. Due to recent drought conditions, two to four inches of rain will not put the fire “out” as the vegetation is very dry.  It will take multiple storms with significant moisture to see an impact to current fire behavior. 

Heavy equipment is being utilized in the Eshom Creek area to complete suppression repair work to restore the land back to its natural state.  Suppression repair work is ongoing across the fire and includes chipping along the Mineral King Road. While containment has not increased today, the remaining open fire line has a low potential to spread any further. This uncontrolled line remains due to limited access to this remote and rugged terrain. The uncontrolled fire line north of Lodgepole Campground has a granite barrier to act as a natural feature should a rare and unlikely weather event cause it to spread further. The remaining uncontrolled line to the west and north of Atwell Grove is in the snow pack from a storm earlier in the week. The Incident Management Team has a high level of confidence that little to no further spread will occur in these two areas but are monitoring the remaining heat in both areas.  A plan is in place to reallocate resources to these areas should the need arise. Crews are continuing with suppression repair work for handline and dozer line while monitoring the uncontrolled line by ground and air. Suppression repair work is expected to be mostly completed by the time the team transitions the fire back to local agencies early next week. 

Weather:  Today will be slightly cooler than previous days with an increase in relative humidities. At this time, there is no precipitation forecasted for the weekend. 

Safety: Crews and heavy equipment are working across the fire area to clear debris from the roads. Please be aware of and respect closures, slow down and turn headlights on for safety. 

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