Single Publication

Unified Command: CAIIMT15 & CAL FIRE 

Fire Size: 14,071 acres 

Percent Contained: 59% 

Primary Strategic Control Line: 96% 

Personnel: 894

Cause: Lightning 

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

Location: Southeast of Three Rivers, CA 

CURRENT SITUATION: Yesterday, construction of direct control line continued in the rugged terrain near the confluence of Horse Creek and the East Fork Kaweah River; helitankers dropped retardant to lower the fire’s intensity, while hotshot crews worked to build handline. The cooler temperatures and reduced winds helped to moderate fire behavior, with most of the remaining activity focused in the Eden Creek drainage with little threat to control lines. On the remainder of the fire perimeter crews continued to work on road rehabilitation, chipping, and mop-up operations.

Today, firefighters will continue direct control line construction in the northeast section of the fire. Aircraft will support their efforts with retardant drops as directed. Crews working around the remainder of the fire lines will continue to focus on mop-up and backhaul; removing hose, pumps, and other equipment that are no longer needed. Crews will work east along Mineral King Road toward Silver City reducing roadside vegetation and developing contingency lines.

WEATHER: The weather system that had previously impacted the area is now moving off to the northeast, while another system is approaching. As a result, temperatures will rebound slightly, similar to what was experienced on Wednesday, bringing near-normal conditions for this time of year. Expect slightly lower afternoon relative humidity levels, with winds and sunny conditions remaining consistent. Mixing heights are expected to increase, which will lead to better smoke dispersion across the region.

SMOKE IMPACTS: With moderate fire behavior, smoke impacts have reduced. GOOD air quality can be expected throughout the outlook area. Hammond will see MODERATE air quality conditions this morning, clearing to GOOD this afternoon. All other areas can expect GOOD air quality throughout the day, unless fire activity increases. 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.