Single Publication

Unified Command: CAIIMT15 & CAL FIRE 

Fire Size: 13,999 acres 

Percent Contained: 41% 

Primary Strategic Control Line: 96% 

Personnel: 1,062

Cause: Lightning 

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

Location: Southeast of Three Rivers, CA 

COFFEE POT FIRE PUBLIC MEETING: CIIMT15 will host a public meeting today, September 12, at 6 p.m. at the Three Rivers Memorial Building: 43490 Sierra Drive, Three Rivers. Those unable to attend can watch the meeting live on the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Facebook page @SequoiaKingsNPS or YouTube channel @sequoiaandkingscanyonnps5018.  

CURRENT SITUATION: Airtankers and helicopters applied water on the fire’s northeastern edge and retardant to the control line along the Horse Creek drainage throughout the day yesterday. Fire around the confluence of Horse Creek and the East Fork Kaweah River burned at low to moderate intensity while staying within its current footprint. Hotshot crews conducted burnout operations and worked with air operations to construct and strengthen control lines around Homers Nose.

Today, aerial operations will continue to support crews with tactical retardant drops as they construct direct handline on the north and south sides of Horse Creek and around Homers Nose. In addition, water drops will be used to cool the fire, slowing its spread, allowing firefighters safer opportunities to engage. Firefighters will continue to check for hotspots, strengthen lines, and backhaul equipment along the southern and western flanks of the fire.

WEATHER: As the trough moves eastward, expect a cooler day with steady humidity and lighter afternoon winds, creating a calm and stable atmosphere. The trough’s progression will bring slightly milder conditions, reducing the intensity of both heat and wind while maintaining clear skies. This stable weather pattern should hold throughout the day, offering no significant fluctuations in temperature or moisture levels.

SMOKE IMPACTS: Air quality conditions greatly improved throughout the outlook area due to moderate fire activity. Today expect GOOD air quality conditions North and South of the fire, with MODERATE conditions closest to the fire in Hammond and Three Rivers this morning, but clearing to GOOD air quality throughout the forecast area this afternoon. For more information on current wildfire smoke impacts in your community, please visit AirNow.gov or fire.airnow.gov. 

EVACUATION NOTICES:  The Tulare County Fire Department has issued Evacuation WARNINGS for zones TLC-E094-B, TLC-E094-C, TLC-E094-D, TLC-E094-E, and TLC-E095. 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.