Sequoia wildfires cause more road, trail closures; crews wrap Giant Forest trees.
On the same day the U.S. Forest Service ended a regional closure order affecting California’s national forests, it announced closures would continue for areas inside Sequoia National Forest due to the KNP Complex Fire.
That fire — which encompasses the Paradise and Colony fires — has now burned nearly 9,000 acres in nearby Sequoia National Park. On Thursday, the Paradise Fire was measured at 7,257 acres and Colony Fire at 1,683 acres. Both were burning with zero percent containment.
Because of the fires’ potential growth, rate of spread, and path — it’s growing toward the forest’s Hume Lake Ranger District — the decision was made to protect public and firefighter safety in that area, Forest Supervisor Teresa Benson said in a statement.
“Roads and trail systems within the closure area are narrow and hazardous, with few routes for evacuation. Roads are also being used for staging heavy equipment, such as dozers and other suppression equipment, and fire suppression activities make the area unsafe for the public.”
The order will remain in effect through Dec. 31 and includes two main areas within the forest. One runs for a stretch of the east side of Highway 180 along the forest’s boundary. The other runs from the forest boundary east toward the Jennie Lakes Wilderness. A map of the areas can be seen online.
Giant Forest trees wrapped in advance of fire
On Thursday, fire crews inside Sequoia National Park prepared the Giant Forest area in anticipation of the fire. They removed fuel in the area and applied structure wrap to some of the iconic monarch sequoias. The Giant Forest is home to some 2,000 giant sequoias including the General Sherman tree.
Previously, the National Park Service had said that the park’s sequoia groves were threatened, but in no immediate danger.
Windy Fire updates
The National Forest service also called for additional closures in areas under threat from the Windy Fire. That fire has burned 2,202 acres on the Tule River Indian Reservation and in Giant Sequoia National Monument. It remains at zero percent containment.
On Thursday, Tulare County issued a mandatory evacuation order for the communities of Johnsondale and nearby Camp Whitsett, saying there is an immediate threat to life, safety, and property. All residents and visitors should leave before the fire reaches these communities.
Porterville College, 100 E. College Ave. is serving as a temporary evacuation point for those in need of information and assistance with shelter.
An evacuation map can be found online at tularecounty.ca.gov/emergencies.
This story was originally published September 16, 2021 at 8:54 AM.