Single Publication

Unified Command: CAIIMT15 & CAL FIRE
Fire Size: 12,915 acres
Percent Contained: 23%
Primary Strategic Control Line: 94%
Personnel: 1,522
Cause: Lightning

Start Date: Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 10:05 a.m.
Location: Southeast of Three Rivers, CA

CURRENT SITUATION: Yesterday, firefighters prioritized operations on the fire’s northern flank.
Crews enhanced direct control lines along the East Fork Kaweah River while tactical water tenders
applied retardant along Mineral King Road. Using tactical water tenders allow aviation support to
concentrate on other areas. All spot fires along the northern flank were identified, contained, and
extinguished. Moving east along the Kaweah River, firefighters patrolled the fire as it slowly backed down
toward the river. In coordination with crews on the ground, drones conducted aerial ignition operations to
produce low-intensity fire to moderate the effects around the giant sequoia groves near Eden Creek. Heavy
equipment was used to continue road and trail repair to the south. Mop-up operations continued along the
southern flank of the fire.
Today, crews will focus on reinforcing direct control lines in the north. Aircraft, in conjunction with crews
on the ground, will slow the progression and intensity of the fire. In the south, crews will continue to
improve control lines along South Fork Drive and Salt Creek Road. Firefighters will continue to mop-up
and mitigate hazardous trees in contained fire areas.
 

WEATHER: High pressure will remain over the area, keeping conditions hot and dry. Winds today will
shift from the overnight drainage to upslope in the morning and stay through the afternoon. With high
pressure overhead, the inversion may break later in the morning, trapping smoke in the valleys into the early
afternoon, especially in sheltered areas. Skies will remain mostly sunny, with a few clouds over the Sierra
Crest.
 

SMOKE IMPACTS: Three Rivers, Hammond, and Springville will experience the most smoke impacts
this morning, with levels reaching UNHEALTHY FOR SENSITIVE GROUPS to UNHEALTHY before
improving to MODERATE during the afternoon and evening. The Giant Forest will likely see the highest
concentrations during the afternoon and evening, reaching UNHEALTHY at times. Communities as far
north as Oakhurst may see levels increase to MODERATE through the day into tonight. 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.