Single Publication

Start Date: 9/9
Cause: Lightning
Size: 97,554 acres
Percent Containment: 88
Helicopters: 8
Engines: 22
Crews: 10
Dozers: 7
Total  Personnel: 657

CURRENT CONDITIONS: Firefighters are removing hazard trees and suppressing fire near containment lines and in sequoia groves. Hazards in the fire area include fire-weakened trees, smoldering stump holes, and rocks or debris that could fall from steep slopes onto trails and into roadways. These hazards present dangers to the public long after a fire is considered controlled. Drivers should be aware of fire personnel and equipment on the ground and on access roads.

Firefighters are also using frequent infrared flights to monitor open sections of the Windy Fire containment line. These areas are in steep, remote terrain, where it’s unsafe for firefighters to use direct suppression tactics. This strategy allows crews to respond quickly if the fire begins to spread, and it could continue until significant precipitation falls over the forest.

EVACUATION ORDERS AND WARNINGS LIFTED: The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office lifted all Evacuation Orders and Warnings for the Windy Fire effective Wednesday. That action affected all structures, residences, and businesses in the communities of Mountain Aire, Rogers Camp, Upper and Lower Peppermint, Camp Whitsett, R Ranch, Johnsondale, Sugarloaf, Sugarloaf Sawmill, Sugarloaf Mountain Park, Ponderosa, Idlewild, Balance Rock, Poso Park, Quaking Aspen, Camp Nelson, Pierpoint, Coy Flat, Cedar Slope, Alpine Village, Sequoia Crest, McNallys, California Hot Springs, Posey, Panoramic Heights, and Gold Ledge.

SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST CLOSURES REMAIN: The Windy Fire Area, Trails, and Roads Closure established by the Sequoia National Forest, Giant Sequoia National Monument, and Western Divide Ranger District remains in effect. Only authorized Forest and fire personnel are allowed inside the closed areas. Roadblocks remain at Western Divide Highway (M107) near Ponderosa, M99 at Lloyd Meadow Road, and Parker Pass (M50) at Parker Meadow above California Hot Springs.

Under Forest Order No. 0513-21-35, the west side of the Sequoia National Forest is closed to recreation on M50 where it reaches the Forest boundary near California Hot Springs. The southern edge of the closure boundary ties in with the northern perimeter of the French Fire Closure Area near White River. The northern edge of the closure boundary ties in with the Castle Fire Closure Area near Ponderosa. M99, coming from Kernville, is closed near Johnsondale Bridge. A full description of the Windy Fire Forest Order is available at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/7841/67270/. For the current Windy Fire Area, Trails, and Roads Closure map, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/photos/CASQF/2021-09-12-1443-Windy/related_files/pict20210909-165257-0.jpeg.

Fire updates and Forest Orders can be monitored on Inciweb and the Sequoia National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia.

SEQUOIA STATUS UPDATE: A preliminary evaluation of individual groves, historic structures, and Forest Service infrastructure that were lost in the Windy Fire is posted on the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/sequoia/news-events.

TULARE COUNTY RESIDENT INFORMATION: Residents requesting information on the status of their property can call the Tulare County Information Hotline at (559) 802-9790. Affected property owners should complete the September Lightning Fire Information Form online at: https://bit.ly/3ETdZjI. Residents can sign up to receive county emergency notifications by registering at AlertTC.com. 

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