Single Publication

Fire Information: Office Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM                              Phone: 208-891-6270

Email:  2022.wishon@firenet.gov                                                          Inciweb Updates:  Wishon Fire

Facebook: Sequoia NF Facebook                                                       Twitter: Sequoia NF Twitter

Instagram: Sequoia NF Instagram                                                    Website: Sequoia NF Website

Location: Sequoia National Forest, Tule River Canyon                              Percent Contained: 95%

Fire Start Date: August 15, 2022                                                          Structures Damaged/Destroyed: 0                  

Cause: Under Investigation                                                                   Suppression Strategy: Full Suppression

Size: 325 acres                                                                                     Number of Personnel Assigned: 234

                                                                                                           Injuries: 2

California Interagency Incident Management Team (CAIIMT-13) returns to home units on Monday and appreciates the opportunity to assist the Sequoia National Forest, Cal Fire and the Tulare County Fire Department with the Wishon Fire. This has been an example of successful cooperation, coordinated teamwork and a job well done among multiple agencies.

History: On August 15, 2022 firefighters from the US Forest Service, CAL FIRE, Tulare County and other cooperators responded to a fire in the Tule River Canyon near The Stairs on the Western Divide Ranger District of the Sequoia National Forest. Initial responding resources included 9 engines, 14 hand crews, 5 helicopters, 6 airtankers and an air attack. CAIIMT 13 was activated on Aug. 16 to support firefighting efforts.

Fire Activity, Suppression & Weather: Minimal fire activity around the fire perimeter in the last 12 hours continues to assist crews in making progress. Expect occasional small columns of smoke to be visible as unburned fuels within the fire continue to burn. On-going mop-up is having a big impact on the fire and fire behavior potential. For Sunday through mid-week, expect minor day-to-day changes in weather. Temperatures will remain several degrees above normal. Relative humidity will drop into the 15-25% range each afternoon with only marginal overnight recovery. Typical diurnal winds are expected with upcanyon gusts around 15 MPH each afternoon. By Thursday and Friday, there is a potential for isolated showers and thunderstorms in the area as monsoonal moisture filters into the area.

As the Wishon Fire nears full containment, firefighters concentrate on removing or “backhauling” equipment used during the firefighting effort. Equipment includes, but is not limited to, hose (often adding up to miles in length), hose fittings, nozzles, pumps, remaining fuel and fuel containers, hand tools, water containers and other necessary equipment. These items are then cleaned, rehabilitated (or pulled from use if damaged) and put back into service for future incidents.

Power Restoration Update: As of August 19, Southern California Edison (SCE) reports that power has been restored in those areas impacted by the Wishon Fire. Expect to see utility vehicles and crews still working in the area, please exercise caution when driving. Your patience has been greatly appreciated. SCE helps you prepare for wildfires and related power issues at: sce.com/wildfire

Firefighter & Public Safety: Despite the reduced threat of the Wishon Fire, fire season is far from over and the health and safety of the public and fire personnel remains a high priority. The fire danger rating for the Sequoia National Forest is currently Very High and fire restrictions remain in place. For a link to these restrictions please visit: Sequoia NF Fire Alerts & Notices

Air Quality: Current impacts to air quality from the Wishon Fire are expected to be minimal. To check on air quality for your area, or wherever you are visiting, check: airnow.gov.  For the air quality at Camp Wishon check:  Camp Wishon

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