Single Publication

Acorn Fire: 7 acres              

Packsaddle Fire: 46 acres 

Trout Fire: 500 acres                      

Current Situation:

As of 6 a.m. on July 15, 2024, California Interagency Incident Management Team 14 assumed command of the 2024 SQF Lightning Incident, which includes the Acorn, Packsaddle, and Trout Fires, all burning within the Sequoia National Forest.

Acorn Fire 

The Acorn Fire is approximately 7 acres and burning south of Breckenridge Road near the Breckenridge Campground located within Kern County. Firefighters worked yesterday and overnight to construct control lines and install hose around the fire perimeter. Forward progress has been stopped and crews will work diligently today to add containment with the goal of moving the fire into a patrol status without the threat of escape.

Packsaddle Fire 

The Packsaddle Fire is approximately 46 acres and burning 4 miles east of the Fairview Campground located within Tulare County. Over the past several days, aircraft has been used to surround the fire with retardant drops to slow fire growth. This air support has slowed the fire enough to give firefighters on the ground the opportunity to build control lines around much of the fire. Today, crews will continue adding control lines around the remainder of the fire perimeter. Helicopters will continue to assist with water dropping missions with the goal of minimizing hot spots and fire growth.

Trout Fire 

The Trout Fire is approximately 500 acres and burning in the Trout Creek drainage within the Dome Land Wilderness in Tulare County. It is currently south of Sherman Pass Road and approximately 2 miles southwest of Bald Mountain Lookout. Aircraft have been utilized each day as weather allows to drop retardant in key areas to slow the fire’s spread. Due to the remote location, difficult terrain, and accessibility issues, firefighters will continue to scout the area for opportunities to begin control measures to keep the fire as small as possible. Aircraft will continue to assist with reconnaissance and retardant dropping missions.

Weather: 

Lingering monsoonal moisture will continue to provide a slight chance of wetting showers and thunderstorms across the fire areas through this evening. A cooling and drying trend is forecasted for mid-week, while hot and dry conditions are expected to rebound toward the start of the weekend. Fuels remain critically dry, which allows for rapid and intense burning conditions.        

Evacuations: 

There are currently no evacuations in effect for this incident. Please be aware of your surroundings and continue to monitor fire conditions.

Fire Restrictions: 

Fire restrictions are in effect on the Sequoia National Forest Restriction. See Forest Order No. 0513-24-10 for details (tinyurl.com/4pdjthvu).