Single Publication

Command: SACIMT2 
Fire Size: 14,086
Percent Contained: 79%
Primary Strategic Control Line: 96%
Personnel: 637
Cause: Lightning

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

CURRENT SITUATION: Yesterday, interior unburned fuel islands continued to slowly consume and the fire remained within its current footprint. Firefighters remained engaged in the northeastern section of the fire from the East Fork Kaweah River south toward Scratch Creek reinforcing control lines. Crews worked diligently to mop up and patrol the southern and western flanks, extinguishing remaining hot spots and reducing any threats to the control line. Contingency work advanced along Mineral King Road with crews removing flammable material and hazardous trees east toward Silver City. Crews and heavy equipment completed suppression repair activities along the western control line; working to minimize soil erosion, prevent impacts to water quality, and restore pre-fire conditions as much as possible. 

Today’s predicted weather conditions are expected to moderate fire behavior; lower temperatures, cloud cover, and increased humidity will make fuels less likely to burn. Crews will actively patrol the control lines and backhaul unneeded equipment from the southern and western flanks of the fire. Hotshot crews will continue strengthening control lines in the area around Homers Nose and in the Horse Creek drainage. Meanwhile, contingency work along Mineral King Road will remain ongoing.

WEATHER: A strong low-pressure system will dominate the region today plunging temperatures roughly 20 degrees below normal for this time of year. There will be a slight chance of light rain with this initial disturbance, but better chances exist later in the week. Expect the best chance for light precipitation in the late morning and early afternoon before low clouds attempt to dissipate through the afternoon hours. Snowfall will be possible above 7-8,000 feet.

SMOKE IMPACTS: With the change in weather and limited fire activity, smoke production will be lower today. Areas within the forecast will see overall GOOD air quality conditions throughout the day. Springville will be in the MODERATE range this morning due to smoke impacts from fires south of the Coffee Pot fire, but are expected to improve to GOOD by late 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 11:00 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.