Up to 10,000 potential ‘hazard trees’ reported along the Generals Highway from KNP Fire

As progress continues to be made on the KNP Complex Fire, officials are now working to mitigate dangers from so-called “hazard trees.”

There could be as many as 10,000 of these weakened trees along Generals Highway alone, according to an update from the National Park Service on Friday.

The trees, weakened by age, disease and drought (and/or the fire itself) have a high likelihood of falling and pose a danger to people and structures in the area. They can also create barriers for emergency and fire response.

Several saw crews are working along the highway to create safe travel zones for firefighters, residents and future visitors. Major routes within the fire zone will remain closed until more progress has been made.

Last weekend’s snow has kept fire activity to a minimum and crews were again able to build containment on Thursday. The fire has been burning about six weeks and has covered 88,307 acres. It is currently 60% contained.

Tulare County on Friday morning removed all evacuation notices for Mineral King Road near the southern entrance to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park: “Effective immediately, Friday, October 22, 2021, Tulare County Officials will remove all Evacuation Orders and Warnings on Mineral King Road, including Cabin Cove, Silver City, and Mineral King. This will allow property owners to return to their residences.”

Also Friday, a park service crew removed the protective wrap from the base of the General Sherman giant sequoia tree. The fire advanced within a half-mile of the tree before its advance was stopped at the scar of a 2-year-old prescribed burn; however, embers were spotted landing within a few hundred yards.

Heavy rain could affect areas of Windy Fire

The Windy Fire, burning to the south of the KNP Complex on the Tule River Indian Reservation and in the Sequoia National Forest, had no growth on Thursday. It remains at 97,554 acres and is 91% contained with full containment expected by Nov. 1.

There are two sections on the west and north sides of the fire that remain uncontained. These are in rugged, remote terrain that are hazardous for personnel to dig lines along the fire edge. The areas are being monitored by aircraft and by field observers on the ground, according to an update Friday.

Because heavy rain is expected in the area this weekend, crews are working to reduce chances of road wash-outs and localized flooding due to runoff. Officials are warning everyone near and downstream from the burned areas to remain alert and stay updated on conditions.

Flash flooding may occur quickly during heavy rain.

This story was originally published October 22, 2021 at 9:26 AM.