Single Publication

 October 29, 2021 

Acres: 88,307 acres
Containment: 73% 

Start Date: September 10, 2021
Cause: Lightning 

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

Resources: 539 personnel including: 8 crews, 13 engines, 5 water tenders, 1 dozer and 6 helicopters 

National Park Service road crews were able to clear Mineral King Rd enough for light vehicles and ambulances to gain access up to the snow level at about 8,000 feet. Firefighters are fully engaged in areas that were previously inaccessible due to rain, mud, and snow. Crews are seeking out heat signatures in stump holes, downed and standing trees. While rain/snow was received over the fire, it was not all absorbed by the fuels or into the ground. This is due to a very thick and dense canopy provided by the Sequoia trees. With only minimal moisture making its way through the canopy isolated pockets of heat are still being found around the fire perimeter. Firefighters working to seek out and extinguish this type of fire activity which can create challenges and safety concerns. Cold trailing or mop up will occasionally show some flame or smoke it can also have heat that is hidden inside burning logs, burned out stumps, and within thick duff layers on the ground. As crews continue with this work, containment will be incrementally increasing over the upcoming days. 

Whether fighting active flames or cold trailing line, safety is the number one priority. As one of the tools used to keep firefighters safe Rapid Extraction Modules (REM) are used. A REM team is made up of a four-person crew that is equipped to extract injured firefighters quickly, effectively, and safely from rugged terrain. Most teams consist of two paramedics and two technical rescue firefighters. This configuration allows for an injured firefighter to receive needed medical attention from paramedics while the technical rescue workers set up ropes, pullies, and other necessary equipment to get the patient to the transport vehicle. These highly specialized teams are just one example of the safety and support provided to firefighters on the line. 

Weather: Today will be another warm and dry day as temperatures remain similar to yesterday. A weak disturbance will move over northern California this weekend, bringing a little cooling and a slight increase in humidity and winds. 

Safety: Crews and heavy equipment are working across the fire area to clear debris from the roads. Please be aware of and respect closures, slow down and turn headlights on for safety. 

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

Closures: Visit: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7838/. 
 
FIRE INFORMATION  
PUBLIC INFORMATION AND MEDIA: (925) 588-6773 
EMAIL: 2021.KNP@firenet.gov 
INCIWEB: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7838/ 
YOUTUBE: https://bit.ly/2021KNPComplex  
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/sequoiakingsnps/ and https://www.facebook.com/sequoiaNF/ 
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/SequoiaKingsnps and https://twitter.com/sequoiaforest 
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/Sequoiakingsnps