Single Publication

 October 26, 2021 

Acres: 88,307 acres

Containment: 69% 

Start Date: September 10, 2021
Cause: Lightning 

Jurisdiction: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks; Sequoia National Forest 

Resources: 532 personnel including: 8 crews, 14 engines, 4 water tenders, 2 dozers and 7 helicopters 

Rain is the big news on the KNP Complex. Incident Meteorologists said between 2-3 inches of rain fell on all parts of the fire. Some areas at higher elevations saw slightly more rain than others. About 3 inches of snow fell on the satellite camp at Hume Lake. Firefighters sheltered in place throughout the day Monday and incident supervisors will go into the field today to assess the conditions. When safety permits, the crews will reengage the fire.  
 

When weather or fire conditions become too dangerous for crews to engage in active firefighting, they do not remain idle. Engine crews, water tender drivers and heavy equipment operators will use this time to go over their rigs. They will check for any potential mechanical problems, inventory and inspect all their equipment, and perform routine maintenance to ensure they are ready to go as soon as they are able. Hand crews will inspect and maintain their tools and falling modules will perform inspection and maintenance on their chainsaws. One important task firefighters will perform during “downtime” is to review the Medical Incident Report (MIR) and discuss how they will respond in the event of a medical emergency. These reviews can be as simple as practicing how to gather information to use in the MIR or discussing possible scenarios and how to get medical attention to the patient. In some instances, firefighters will involve the incident’s medical staff in these trainings to better familiarize themselves with what resources are available. 
 

The medical emergency protocols, which would evolve into the MIR, were developed following the Dutch Creek incident in 2008. During that incident, 18-year-old Andrew “Andy” Palmer died from injuries sustained when he was struck by a falling tree. As time progressed, these same protocols were revised into the MIR, also referred to as the “8-lines.” The MIR is a written set of guidelines used by firefighters to communicate critical information, such as the nature and severity of the injury, the patient’s location, and how the patient will be taken from the accident site to a medical facility. Reviewing the MIR can save valuable time during any emergency. 
 

Weather:  Cool, moist, and breezy conditions will move into the area Tuesday. A warming and drying trend will occur through the week with light terrain-driven winds. A weak disturbance is expected to move over the northern California coast this weekend bringing cooler temperatures and a slight increase in winds. 

Safety: Please be aware of and respect closures and reduce speeds when traveling in and around the fire area.  

Evacuations: Visit: https://nifc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=4b2ac27b5c8943ed92c0e77aa94daca0.