Single Publication

Unified Command: CAIIMT15 & CAL FIRE 

Fire Size: 13,252 acres 

Percent Contained: 27% 

Primary Strategic Control Line: 96% 

Personnel: 1,362 

Cause: Lightning 

Start Date: Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 10:05 a.m. 

Location: Southeast of Three Rivers, CA 

The local Arrowhead Hotshots and two Wildland Fire Module (WFM) crews; The Inyo National Forest Mammoth WFM, and the Stanislaus National Forest Summit WFM are spiked out in the northeast section of the Coffee Pot Fire. Hotshots are trained to fight the most challenging fires, often in remote and unforgiving terrain like the area of the Coffee Pot Fire. Wildland Fire Modules are highly skilled and versatile fire crews of at least seven members that provide technical expertise to meet resource and management objectives.  

Spiking out is a tactic where crews camp near the fire rather than returning to base camp daily. This ensures a reduced response time, enabling fire suppression efforts without delay. Spiking out is physically demanding, usually in very remote areas, and requires careful planning to ensure the safety and well-being of the crew members. 

CURRENT SITUATION: Yesterday, the Arrowhead Hotshots, Mammoth WFM, and Summit WFM began their spike out. These crews worked to slow the spread of fire and allow firefighters to strengthen control lines. Air operations supported their efforts and dropped retardant from Horse Creek down the ridge line, working to the East Fork Kaweah River. In the area south of Cedar Flat, where fire pushed past the line, crews mopped up heat sources and strengthened existing handlines. Crews backhauled equipment along the south flank of the fire and worked deeper into the burned area to bolster their mop-up efforts. On the north flank, water tenders completed retardant application along Mineral King Road while crews reinforced control lines. 

Today, firefighters will work to strengthen and complete control lines to Horse Creek. Air operations will continue to enhance suppression efforts as needed. Fire crews will mop-up along Scratch Creek and continue backhauling equipment along the South Fork Kaweah River while road repair and hazardous tree mitigation is ongoing along the south flank. In the North, air operations will be utilized to keep fire intensity low as it slowly backs down to the East Fork Kaweah River. Crews will patrol along Mineral King Road and continue mop-up in the area of Lookout Point. 

WEATHER: Temperatures will be slightly lower today. Thunderstorm chances are expected to be limited to the Sierra Crest. General winds remain from the southwest, while up-canyon winds are expected to develop mid-morning.  

SMOKE IMPACTS: Smoke in areas closest to the fire, Hammond, Three Rivers, and Giant Forest will continue to see the greatest smoke impacts with air quality in the MODERATE range for most of the day. Areas to the North of the fire will be in the GOOD range overall. For more information on current wildfire smoke impacts in your community, please visit AirNow.gov or fire.airnow.gov. 

EVACUATION NOTICES: The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office has issued Evacuation ORDERS due to current fire conditions for Genasys zones TLC-E094-C, TLC-E094-E, TLC-E094-D, and TLC-E094-B. An evacuation ORDER, also known as a mandatory evacuation, means that all residents and visitors should leave now before the fire reaches the community. If you are unable to evacuate and require assistance, please call 9-1-1. In case of sheltering needs or questions regarding sheltering, please contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.  

The Tulare County Fire Department has also issued Evacuation WARNINGS for zones TLC-E128-B, TLC-E093-A, TLC-E093-B, TLC-E095, TLC-E127-B, and TLC-E128-A. To find your zone, please refer to: protect.genasys.com. 

FIRE INFORMATION: A Public Information Officer will be at the Three Rivers Village Market daily from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide fire information and answer questions.  

BLM AND PARK CLOSURES: The portion of South Fork Drive within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and trails accessed from the road, including the Ladybug and Garfield Grove Trails, are closed. Recreational access to the Mineral King area of Sequoia National Park is closed to the public. This applies to Mineral King campgrounds, trailheads, and area trails. All other areas of the parks are open but are likely to be impacted by varying levels of smoke and poor air quality. Park closure information is available online at nps.gov/seki. The Bureau of Land Management has also issued a closure of the Case Mountain Extensive Recreation Management Area at blm.gov/press-release.  

PUBLIC NOTICE: Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t. For more information, visit knowbeforeyoufly.org.