Single Publication

Acorn Fire: 5 acres - 95% containment

Packsaddle Fire: 47 acres - 95% containment    

Long Fire: 8,856 acres - 0% containment

Trout Fire: 12.855 acres - 0% containment

Total Personnel: 711

Current Situation: In all areas of both fires, fire managers are strategically directing specific actions and deploying equipment to meet the exact needs of each location. Last night, unmanned aerial systems were used to begin strategically burning portions of the Trout Fire’s northern perimeter to reduce fire intensity as it approaches Sherman Pass Road. Vegetation clearance is being established around structures near each fire, and a mobile retardant base has been established to allow helicopter retardant drops with faster turnaround times. This tailored approach ensures that resources are used effectively and that tactics can be adapted to the dynamic conditions of the fires.
 

Trout Fire: The Trout Fire experienced increased fire activity in the Machine Creek area Friday afternoon, which produced a large smoke column. However, other areas of the fire weren’t as windy, which allowed firefighters to work directly along the fire’s edge, resulting in minimal growth toward Kennedy Meadows. Today, firefighters continue to clear vegetation along Sherman Pass Rd. as the fire approaches. If necessary, strategic burns off Sherman Pass Rd. may be conducted to create a larger buffer ahead of the fire. Crews will also continue building control lines along the southern perimeter and Machine Creek area.

Long Fire: The Long Fire showed diminished activity throughout most of Friday. This reduction in fire behavior enabled crews to make substantial progress in constructing control lines along the southern area of the fire. Today, firefighters will continue the direct line construction on the southern perimeter near the South Fork of the Kern River and Palome Creek. Along the northern edge retardant line has knocked much of the heat out of the fire ahead of crews building control line. These control lines are crucial in our efforts to contain the fire and protect surrounding communities and natural resources

Acorn Fire and Packsaddle Fire: The Acorn Fire and Packsaddle Fire remain in a patrol status. Crews will monitor the fire perimeter ensuring there is no threat of flare-up or escape.

Weather & Air Quality: A persistent weather pattern is forecasted for the next several days. No rainfall is expected. Temperatures will remain elevated above normal and relative humidity will near critically low levels. A daily smoke outlook is produced for the areas and communities affected by the 2024 SQF Lightning fires (tinyurl.com/452x2uzr).

Forest Closures & Restrictions: Sequoia National Forest lands, roads, trails, and recreation sites around the Trout, Long, and Packsaddle Fires are temporarily closed under Forest Order No. 0513-24-12. Fire restrictions are also in effect under Forest Order No. 0513-24-10. Both orders, maps, and accompanying appendices can be found on the Forest’s “Forest Orders” web page: tinyurl.com/2en2d36k.

Evacuations: Tulare County evacuation warnings have been issued for zones TLC-E274-B and TLC-E261-B, the area north of Canebrake Road, south of Sacatar Trail, west of Inyo County line, east of the South Fork and Kern Rivers.