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CURRENT SITUATION: Air operations played a key role in yesterday's efforts; fixed and rotor-wing aircraft dropped retardant from Horse Creek to the East Fork Kaweah River, delivered equipment to spiked-out crews, and continued strategic bucket drops on the northeast portion of the fire. Water tenders applied retardant along Mineral King Road, east of Horse Creek, and Wildland Fire Modules (WFM) constructed direct handlines near Homers Nose. Crews focused on backhauling equipment, addressing hazardous trees, and mopping up deeper into the fire line along the southern and western flanks.

Today, crews will continue constructing indirect handlines from Mineral King Road to the East Fork Kaweah River, using firing operations as necessary to produce a slow-moving, low-intensity fire. Construction of the indirect handline from the head of Eden Creek drainage will progress north toward Horse Creek. Air operations will provide support as needed, including water drops and retardant application. 

Rehabilitation and hazardous tree removals are ongoing along Salt Creek Road and Case Mountain Road. 

WEATHER: High pressure will continue to weaken through Tuesday, bringing slightly cooler temperatures. Winds will remain mostly from the southwest, with upslope and up-canyon winds developing later in the morning. Smoke conditions should improve as the inversion lifts midday. Overnight, drainage winds are expected along the East Fork of the Kaweah River. 

SMOKE IMPACTS: Smoke has greatly diminished throughout the outlook area. Areas closest to the fire; Three Rivers, Hammond, and Giant Forest continue to see smoke impacts, with air quality in the MODERATE range. Areas to the North and South of the fire can expect GOOD air quality.  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-E093-A, TLC-E093-B, TLC-E095, 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.