Single Publication

CURRENT SITUATION: As expected, the Coffee Pot Fire continues to gradually spread on the landscape, advancing about two-tenths of a mile per day. Yesterday, the southeast flank of the fire burned slowly along the forest floor in Surprise Grove leaving the tree tops undamaged. Fire crews and heavy equipment continued constructing indirect control lines along the west and south flanks. Firefighters also continued prepping the various sequoia groves in the area of Case Mountain to help minimize the fire’s impact on those values. Water-dropping “scooper” planes worked to support suppression efforts along the western flank to slow the fire’s spread in that direction.

Today’s operations on the western flank will focus on building the indirect control line north from South Fork Drive to Salt Creek Road. Additionally, firefighters will look to connect this control line through Cinnamon Gap to Mineral King Road. On the southeast flank, crews will continue prepping and constructing handlines near Cedar Creek near Lady Bug Trail.

WEATHER: Today’s weather should be similar to yesterday with cooler conditions expected later this week as a cold front passes through. Humidity and overnight recovery will be higher heading into the weekend. Cloud cover will increase by Friday, but dry weather is expected over the fire area.

SMOKE IMPACTS: Air quality will remain poor to unhealthy near Three Rivers, CA. Everyone should take precautions to reduce outdoor activities, especially those sensitive to smoke. For more information on current wildfire smoke impacts in your community, please visit AirNow.gov or fire.airnow.gov.

HIGHWAY AND ROAD IMPACTS: Highway 198, Mineral King Road, and the Generals Highway in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are open.

BLM AND PARK CLOSURES: The portion of South Fork Drive in Sequoia National Park and trails accessed from the road, including the Lady Bug and Garfield Grove Trails, are closed until further notice. You can view all Park closure information online at: https://www.nps.gov/seki/learn/management/superintendent-s-compendium.htm. The Bureau of Land Management has also issued a closure of the Case Mountain Extensive Recreation Management Area: https://www.blm.gov/press-release/bureau-land-management-temporarily-closes-case-mountain-recreation-area.

EVACUATION WARNING: An Evacuation WARNING has been issued for TLC Zones TLC-E128-B and TLC-E094-B, area north of South Fork Drive, East of Skyline Drive (Salt Creek Fire Control Road), South of Mineral King Road, and West of the National Park Boundary. An evacuation WARNING means you should prepare to evacuate the area should the fire approach your home or if ordered to do so. Please stay clear and out of the areas affected by the fire. If there is an emergency please dial 911. https://tularecounty.ca.gov/emergencies/.