On Wednesday, September 29, 2021, at 7:00 p.m., there will be a virtual public meeting for the Windy Fire. The meeting will be livestreamed on the Sequoia National Forest Facebook page and on Zoom (meeting ID: 160 212 1141; passcode: J227!q; call-in phone number: 669-254-5252).

An ASL interpreter will be in attendance.

At the meeting's conclusion, the video of the meeting will be available for viewing on the Sequoia National Forest Facebook page at your convenience if you cannot attend live.

Prior to the meeting, submit questions or concerns you want addressed during the meeting to 2021.Windy@firenet.gov.

RESOURCES: 2,402 personnel, 69 hand crews, 133 engines, 16 helicopters, 35 dozers, 9 water tenders
Structures Threatened: 2,000 Residences, Commercial 100, Structures Destroyed: Commercial, 2

TULARE COUNTY RESIDENT INFORMATION: Today, Tulare County will begin assessing the damage to homes and property in the Sugarloaf and Pine Flat Areas.  Community members impacted by the Windy Fire can call the Tulare County Information Hotline at (559) 802-9790. Affected property owners should complete the September Lighting Fire Information Form Online at: https://bit.ly/3ETdZjI. People who have cabins in Summer Home Tracts on the Forest will be contacted by the Sequoia National Forest.

CURRENT SITUATION: The Windy Fire is 87,318, acres with 4% containment and is a full suppression fire. The fire is burning on the Tule River Indian Reservation and the Sequoia National Forest, including the Giant Sequoia National Monument. The fire perimeter increased 1,935 acres in the last 24 hours.

Yesterday, gusty westerly winds up to 40 miles per hour tested containment lines on the east perimeter. From Ponderosa south to Johnsondale, the containment lines held and no spot fires were observed outside of the perimeter of the fire.  On the south and southeast side, the fire remained very active between Baker Peak and Tobias Peak. The fire has burned into the 2016 Cedar Fire scar, which has moderated fire activity. Today, a cold front will move through the area bringing gusty westerly winds up to 40 MPH on the ridgetops and upper slopes. The winds will provide favorable conditions (winds blow the active fire back in to the area already burned) for conducting defensible firing operations on the west side of the fire.

Today, the priority remains on the southwest side in Sugarloaf and Pine Flat areas. Fire engines continue to engage in structure defense and extinguishing hotspots (burning tree stumps, downed logs, etc.) along the dozer and hand lines that extend into California Hot Springs.

On the northwest side, favorable winds will allow crews to continue conducting a defensible firing operation southward toward Wheatons. The firing operation removes vegetation and provides a black line to slow the fires progress westward on the Tule River Indian Reservation. Ground crews will be were supported by water dropping helicopters.  Crews also continue to construct indirect (away from the fire edge) dozer lines from Wheatons south to Corral Hill in order to stop the fires progress to the West.

On the north side, crews continue to improve existing containment lines along the Coy Flat Road (FS Road 21S94) northeast to Coy Flat. Their efforts have been successful in keeping the fire south of Camp Nelson.  Crews and engines are in place in Camp Nelson and Mountainaire.

On the northeast side near Ponderosa, crews continue holding and improving containment lines from the Western Divide Highway (M50) east to Lloyd Meadow Road (FS Road 22S28) and south to Johnsondale. With the increased winds today, firefighters will be looking for any hotspots caused by blowing embers or debris.

On the east-southeast side, the fire remains active from Flynn Canyon south to Tobias Peak. Crews continue to work along the Sugarloaf Road (23S1) towards the Spear Creek Summer Home Tract improving fire lines and providing structure defense. The fire is backing down slope east towards the Kern River. The Fire Behavior Specialist briefed firefighters this morning to be on the look out for increased fire activity in an area below Baker Point that did not burn in either the Cedar or McNally fires. Crews will continue clearing around structures in the Fairview area as the fire moves closer.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: The Incident Meteorologist is forecasting gusty westerly winds on the upper ridges and slopes, up to 40 MPH.  Very cool conditions are expected with temperatures in the 50 to 60’s range.

EVACUATIONS ORDERS: The following information is from the Tulare County Sherriff’s Office.  Evacuation orders and warnings can change suddenly, please refer to https://tularecounty.ca.gov/emergencies/  for Windy Fire Evacuation Warning Area Map. For more information, please call 2-1-1.

•  The communities of Sugarloaf, Sugarloaf Mountain Park, Sugarloaf Saw Mill, White River, Idlewild, Posey, Panorama Heights, Poso, Balance Rock, Spear Creek, from the existing Hot Springs Evacuation Order west to King George Peak, south to County M56, including Oak Flat, Twin Peak, to Vincent Ranch at the Tulare-Kern Counties Border, east to Portuguese Peak, and back north to Dunlap Meadow.
• California Hot Springs and Pine Flat areas. The evacuation order includes M-504 at Tyler Creek, Southeast to Pine Flat, West to M-56 and Fire Control Road, North up Tyler Creek Road. This includes structures, side roads, and attached roads.
• Camp Nelson and surrounding communities.
• Johnsondale and Camp Whitsett, including M107 at Dome Rock, east to Lloyd Meadow Road (FS Road 22S82), south to M99 at Sherman Pass Road, west to M107 and M50.
• Ponderosa and Quaking Aspen. The warning area includes M107 at Dome Rock, north to Highway 190/M90 at North Road (FS Road 21S50), east to Route 21S05, at Needles Trail, south to Lloyd Meadow at Lower Peppermint Road (FS Road 22S82).
• The areas of McNally’s. From Sherman Pass Road to Corral Creek.

EVACUATION WARNING:
Both sides of the Kern River from the Gold Ledge Campground south to River Kern, Tulare County, at the Tulare/Kern border. This warning will include all private properties, businesses, residences, structures, campsites, campgrounds, Forest Service roads, access roads, attached roads, and trails.

ROAD CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS:

• At Jack Ranch Road and Old Stage Road
• Highway 190 and Rio Vista
• MT99 at Gold Ledge Campground
• MT56 at Fountain Springs

EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION ALERTS: Tulare County residents can sign up to receive county emergency notifications by registering at AlertTC.com.

EVACUATION CENTER: A evacuation center is in place at Porterville College on 100 E. College Ave. Older individuals (60+) who need assistance with evacuation may call the senior hotline at 1-800-321-2462. For more information, visit https://tularecounty.ca.gov/emergencies/  or call 2-1-1.

WINDY FIRE ANIMAL EVACUATION CENTER:  Domestic animals and poultry are being accepted at the Tulare County Animal Service Shelter, 14131 Avenue 256, Visalia, CA 93292.  Large animals and livestock can be taken to the International Agri-Center, 4500 S Laspina St, Tulare, CA 93274.

DAILY SMOKE OUTLOOK:  https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/SouthernSierra-Sequoia  AirNow: Fire and Smoke Map: https://fire.airnow.gov/

SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST CLOSURES: Please refer to https://www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia for more information and a map of the closed areas.

HUNTING IN SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST: Hunting is possible outside of Forest Closure areas. Please refer to the link above for areas closed to public access at this time.  

 Current Situation: Saturday evening, September 25, 2021 (also posted on Sequoia National Forest's Facebook page)

 The Windy Fire is currently estimated to be 74,531 acres (a 3,182-acre increase from Saturday morning’s reported acreage). Containment is 2 percent. The acreage value is a snapshot in time, and because this fire remains active overnight, expect another increase in acreage tomorrow morning. The infrared flight also occurs at night, providing fire personnel in the situation unit more accurate data to estimate the fire’s size and perimeter.

 The fire was most active on the south and southeast sides of the fire, specifically in the Sugarloaf, California Hot Springs, and Pine Flat areas. Firefighters have reported some structures on the southern part of the fire have been damaged; the number and locations will be available as soon as it is safe for assessment teams to access the areas. The Sugarloaf and Pine Flat areas are the priority for firefighters working the night shift.

 The fire was also active on the northeast side in the Peppermint area, and crews continue to improve defensible space around structures when and where it is feasible. They will remain in the Peppermint area tonight. Crews working on the north side near Camp Nelson today reported no issues. The fire made some runs westward in the Tule River Indian Reservation, and crews are scouting the area for suitable places to construct contingency firelines.

 Firefighters involved in planning operations have requested additional resources, specifically to increase the robustness of the night shift. The reality is that other fires are also needing personnel and equipment, so the incident might not receive everything requested.

 A dry cold front is expected to move into the area early to mid-week, bringing cooler, moister weather, but also stronger winds. At tonight’s briefing, the incident fire behavior analyst told fire managers and crews that the next couple days will tell us if the Cedar Fire burn scar to the south will have a moderating effect on current fire behavior.

 A lot of work has been done to construct dozer line around the communities of Pine Flat and California Hot Springs. Crews are using those dozer lines and actively working to protect those communities from the fire.

Current Situation: Sunday evening, September 26, 2021 (also posted on Sequoia National Forest's Facebook page) 

 The #WindyFire is currently estimated to be 82,278 acres (a 3,850-acre increase from Sunday morning’s reported acreage). Containment is 2 percent.

 On the northeast side, the fire continues to move downslope toward the Lloyd Road. There were a few spot fires, but crews were able to extinguish and contain them while they were still small. In the M99 corridor, on the fire’s east side, the fire is actively moving downslope toward the Kern River. In the next one to two days, the fire could get pretty close to the river. Visibility on the eastern half of the fire was very low, so aircraft were unable to assist ground crews today in that area of the fire.

 Firefighters and engines attempted to get to Tobias Peak today to assess the lookout tower, but the fire was still too active and hot, and they had to turn around. In the Sugarloaf Village area, firefighters are still engaged in structure defense. They’re using direct fire-suppression tactics along the fire perimeter when they can, but structure defense remains the primary mission in that area.

 On the southwest side, in the Pine Flat area, the fire continues to move downslope toward dozer lines. Crews are mopping up hotspots along the dozer lines that extend into California Hot Springs. All along the west size, they are constructing dozer line and handline, using an indirect-suppression strategy away from the fire’s edge. Crews conducted a successful firing operation on the Two and a Quarter Road, moving south toward Wheaton. Clear skies allowed aircraft to support the crews with the operation.

 The fire behavior analyst spent the day in the Sugarloaf area observing fire behavior. He reported the fire was moving downslope very aggressively. It was loud like fire moving uphill sounds, but it was moving downhill, which is usually more moderate. The fuel loading is immense in places. However, he has a high degree of confidence that the Cedar Fire burn scar will serve as a good barrier to fire spread in many places.

 Gusty winds will be a concern for fire managers Monday and Tuesday. The southeast part of the fire is the most vulnerable to the strong winds.

Current Situation: Monday evening, September 27, 2021 (also posted on Sequoia National Forest's Facebook page)

 
The #WindyFire is currently estimated to be 86,502 (a 1,119-acre increase from Monday morning’s reported acreage). Containment is 2 percent.

 Gusty winds—25 to 35 miles per hour—were common and widespread over the fire area today. Southeast of the fire in Tiger Flats, a portable weather station has been installed, which is providing valuable data to the incident meteorologists and fire-behavior analyst. The station recorded several instances of gusts over 40 miles per hour today.

 Although they had windy conditions to contend with, firefighters benefited from the slightly moderating effect that today’s cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity levels had on fire behavior.

 On the northwest side, crews were able to continue the firing operation, making significant progress southward toward Wheatons. They got out in front of the main fire near the South Fork Tule River, slowing its westward advance into the Tule River Indian Reservation. Ground crews were supported by helicopters that conducted water and retardant drops. Tonight’s winds will be favorable in that area, pushing the fire into itself.

 On the north side of the fire near Peppermint, there were some hotspots outside the fireline. Crews constructed dozer line around them, and they are attempting to use direct fire-suppression tactics in that area. The east side of the fire had less fire activity and growth today than other areas. Firefighters are extinguishing hotspots along the fireline and well into the burned area.

 The fire remains very active on the southeast and south sides between Baker Peak and Tobias Peak. It has bumped into the 2016 Cedar Fire scar, where airborne embers and firebrands are landing and starting spot fires in the snag patches. Heading west along the southern perimeter, crews are using a network of roads to comprise the fireline and implementing direct fire-suppression tactics as often as they can. Firefighters are also in a structure-defense posture in Sugarloaf, Pine Flat, and California Hot Springs.

 The most significant weather concern tomorrow will once again be the strong winds associated with the cold front. Sustained, 20 to 30 mile-per-hour winds are expected across much of the fire area, with the south side getting hit harder by 30 to 40 mile-per-hour winds. Relative humidity levels be higher, though, with the west side benefitting the most: 55 to 75 percent on the west and 35 to 55 percent on the east. Snags—standing dead trees—are abundant in the vicinity of the Cedar Fire scar, and they present a significant hazard and challenge to firefighters.

 Firefighters will have some opportunities, though. The fire behavior analyst has advised that with higher humidity taking fine fuels, such as grass, out of the fire-spread equation, the fire will advance mainly from log to log. The large trees and logs that are currently burning will carry the fire. Crews have an opportunity over the next couple shifts to break that chain of fire spread in many areas. A lot of active fire remains on the landscape, but firefighters are feeling more optimistic with the reprieve in some weather conditions and the progress they’ve been able to make in the last couple days.

RESOURCES: 2,303 personnel, 63 hand crews, 142 engines, 15 helicopters, 32 dozers, 8 water tenders

Structures Threatened: 2,000 Residences, Commercial 100, Structures Destroyed: Commercial, 2

 CURRENT SITUATION: The Windy Fire is 85,383 acres with 2% containment and is a full suppression fire. The fire is burning on the Tule River Indian Reservation and the Sequoia National Forest, including the Giant Sequoia National Monument. The fire perimeter increased 7,000 acres in the last 24 hours. Yesterday, the most intense fire activity continued to be on the southwest side near Sugarloaf Peak and on the southeast side near Marshall Meadow and Bull Run Meadow. Today, gusty westerly winds are predicted on the ridgetops and upper slopes which will increase fire activity on the southeast side in the Kern River Canyon. Last night on the southwest side, the fire was active in the Sugarloaf Mountain Park and Pine Flat areas. Fire engines were engaged in structure defense in the area. Crews also continued mopping up hotspots along the dozer and hand lines that extend into California Hot Springs. Today, the Sugarloaf and Pine Flat areas continue to be a priority and crews are providing structure defense, extinguishing hot spots and improving containment lines.

 On the southeast side, the fire was very active along Speas Ridge southward towards Tobias Peak. Today gusty winds have the potential to significantly increase fire activity as the fire moves east in the Kern River Canyon. The Fire Behavior Specialist briefed firefighters this morning on the potential for rapid fire growth in the area due to westerly winds and long-range spotting (hot embers that are blown ahead of the active fire). Crews will continue clearing around structures in the Fairview area as the fire moves closer.

 On the west side, firefighters continue to construct direct and indirect containment lines utilizing dozers from Lone Pine Mountain north to Wheaton. Crews will be conducting a defensible firing operation, supported by retardant dropping aircraft along the Two and Quarter Road to contain the fire as they move toward Wheaton.

 On the north side, crews are improving extisting containment lines along the Coy Flat Road (FS Road 21S94) northeast to Coy Flat. Crews and engines are in place in Camp Nelson and Mountainaire.

 On the northeast side near Ponderosa, crews continue holding and improving containment lines from the Western Divide Highway (M50) east to Lloyd Meadow Road (FS Road 22S28). On the east side, along Lloyd Meadow Road, crews continue to strengthen containment line and extinguish any hots spots (burning trees, stumps, etc.) southward to M99.

 WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Today, the Incident Meteorologist is forecasting windy conditions over higher terrain, with gusts up to 20-30 MPH ahead of a cold front that is expected on Tuesday. Temperatures will be cooler with increased humidity.

 EVACUATIONS ORDERS: The following information is from the Tulare County Sherriff’s Office.  Evacuation orders and warnings can change suddenly, please refer to https://tularecounty.ca.gov/emergencies/  for Windy Fire Evacuation Warning Area Map. For more information, please call 2-1-1.

•  The communities of Sugarloaf, Sugarloaf Mountain Park, Sugarloaf Saw Mill, White River, Idlewild, Posey, Panorama Heights, Poso, Balance Rock, Spear Creek, from the existing Hot Springs Evacuation Order west to King George Peak, south to County M56, including Oak Flat, Twin Peak, to Vincent Ranch at the Tulare-Kern Counties Border, east to Portuguese Peak, and back north to Dunlap Meadow.
• California Hot Springs and Pine Flat areas. The evacuation order includes M-504 at Tyler Creek, Southeast to Pine Flat, West to M-56 and Fire Control Road, North up Tyler Creek Road. This includes structures, side roads, and attached roads.
• Camp Nelson and surrounding communities.
• Johnsondale and Camp Whitsett, including M107 at Dome Rock, east to Lloyd Meadow Road (FS Road 22S82), south to M99 at Sherman Pass Road, west to M107 and M50.
• Ponderosa and Quaking Aspen. The warning area includes M107 at Dome Rock, north to Highway 190/M90 at North Road (FS Road 21S50), east to Route 21S05, at Needles Trail, south to Lloyd Meadow at Lower Peppermint Road (FS Road 22S82).
• The areas of McNally’s. From Sherman Pass Road to Corral Creek.

EVACUATION WARNING: Both sides of the Kern River from the Gold Ledge Campground south to River Kern, Tulare County, at the Tulare/Kern border. This warning will include all private properties, businesses, residences, structures, campsites, campgrounds, Forest Service roads, access roads, attached roads, and trails.

 ROAD CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS: 

•  At Jack Ranch Road and Old Stage Road
• Highway 190 and Rio Vista
• MT99 at Gold Ledge Campground
• MT56 at Fountain Springs

EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION ALERTS: Tulare County residents can sign up to receive county emergency notifications by registering at AlertTC.com.

 EVACUATION CENTER: A evacuation center is in place at Porterville College on 100 E. College Ave. Older individuals (60+) who need assistance with evacuation may call the senior hotline at 1-800-321-2462. For more information, visit https://tularecounty.ca.gov/emergencies/  or call 2-1-1.

 WINDY FIRE ANIMAL EVACUATION CENTER:  Domestic animals and poultry are being accepted at the Tulare County Animal Service Shelter, 14131 Avenue 256, Visalia, CA 93292.  Large animals and livestock can be taken to the International Agri-Center, 4500 S Laspina St, Tulare, CA 93274.

 DAILY SMOKE OUTLOOK:  https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/SouthernSierra-Sequoia  AirNow: Fire and Smoke Map: https://fire.airnow.gov/.

 SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST CLOSURES: Please refer to https://www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia for more information and a map of the closed areas.

 HUNTING IN SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST: Hunting is possible outside of Forest Closure areas. Please refer to the link above for areas closed to public access at this time.  

September 27, 2021, 7:30 a.m.

(The following information was taken directly from Tulare County Sheriff's Office website or Facebook page.)

Tulare County Sheriff's Office Issues Issues New Evacuation WARNING for the Windy Fire

 Sheriff Boudreaux has now issued an EVACUATION WARNING for both sides of the Kern River from the Gold Ledge Campground south to River Kern, Tulare County, at the Tulare / Kern border. This warning will include all private properties, businesses, residences, structures, campsites, campgrounds, Forest Service roads, access roads, attached roads, and trails.

 The temporary evacuation point, where you may find information and assistance, is at Porterville College, 100 E. College Ave. Individuals who may need assistance evacuating may call 2-1-1. Older individuals (60+) who need assistance with evacuation or information may call the senior hotline at 1-800-321-2462.

 When preparing to evacuate, please consider bringing important documents, necessary medication, changes of clothing, and hygiene items. If you are able to evacuate your domestic animals, remember to pack food, leashes, and other items. If you are not able to plan to evacuate your domestic animals or livestock, please make arrangements with Tulare County Animal Services prior to transporting your animals to an available shelter location by completing the Fire Assistance Evacuation Form located on the Tulare County Animal Services website at: https://tcanimalservices.org/.../animal-evacuation-form/.

 All evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect for the Windy Fire.

VIRTUAL COMMUNITY MEETING: On Sunday, September 26, 2021, at 6:00 p.m., there will be virtual public meeting for the Windy Fire. The meeting will be livestreamed on the Sequoia National Forest Facebook page and on Zoom (meeting ID: 160 212 1141; passcode: J227!q; call-in phone number: 669-254-5252). If you have questions you want addressed, please email them prior to the meeting at  2021.Windy@firenet.gov.

RESOURCES: 2,136 personnel, 58 hand crews, 139 engines, 14 helicopters, 20 dozers, 7 water tenders
Structures Threatened: 2,000 Residences, Commercial 100, Structures Destroyed: 0, Commercial, 2

CURRENT SITUATION: The Windy Fire is 78,428 acres with 2% containment. The fire is burning on the Tule River Indian Reservation and the Sequoia National Forest, including the Giant Sequoia National Monument. Due to extreme drought conditions, the fire perimeter increased over 7,000 acres in the last 24 hours. Yesterday, the most intense fire activity was on the southwest side in the Sugarloaf and Pine Flat areas, where it was reported that several homes were damaged. When it is safe, damage assessments of property will be completed.

 Last night, firefighters completed a defensible firing operation around Sugarloaf to stop the fire from advancing into the residential area. There are reports of spot fires near the White River Summer Home Tract and crews are working this morning to get containment lines around them. Today, the highest priority continues to be structure protection in California Hot Springs, Sugarloaf and Pine Flat areas.

In the south/southeast side, the fire was very active around Tobias Peak and continues to move east towards the Kern River. Firefighters will be working in the Fairview area clearing around structures. They are also working along the Sugarloaf Road (23S16) and providing structure protection in the Vincent/Tobias Meadow area. Crews are scouting the Tobias Creek Trail for a potential containment line.

On the west side, firefighters continue to construct direct and indirect containment lines utilizing dozers from Lone Pine Mountain north to Wheaton. Crews will be conducting a defensible firing operation, supported by retardant dropping aircraft along the Two and Quarter Road to contain the fire as they move toward Wheaton.

On the north side, crews continue to construct and improve containment lines along the Coy Flat Road (FS Road 21S94) northeast to Coy Flat. Crews and structure protection engines are in place in Camp Nelson and Mountainaire.

On the northeast side near Ponderosa, crews continue holding and improving the containment line from the Western Divide Highway (MT50) east to the Lloyd Meadow Road (FS Road 22S28). On the east side, along the Lloyd Meadow Road, crews continue to strengthen the containment line and extinguish any hots spots (burning trees, stumps, etc) south to MT99.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Incident meteorologists are forecasting increased winds this afternoon with gusts around 15-20 MPH, which will lift the smoke inversion and increase the potential for plume dominated fire activity and long-range spotting.

EVACUATIONS ORDERS: The following information is from the Tulare County Sherriff’s Office.  Evacuation orders and warnings can change suddenly, please refer to https://tularecounty.ca.gov/emergencies/  for Windy Fire Evacuation Warning Area Map. For more information, please call 2-1-1.

•  The communities of Sugarloaf, Sugarloaf Mountain Park, Sugarloaf Saw Mill, White River, Idlewild, Posey, Panorama Heights, Poso, Balance Rock, Spear Creek, from the existing Hot Springs Evacuation Order west to King George Peak, south to County M56, including Oak Flat, Twin Peak, to Vincent Ranch at the Tulare-Kern Counties Border, east to Portuguese Peak, and back north to Dunlap Meadow.
• California Hot Springs and Pine Flat areas. The evacuation order includes M-504 at Tyler Creek, Southeast to Pine Flat, West to M-56 and Fire Control Road, North up Tyler Creek Road. This includes structures, side roads, and attached roads.
• Camp Nelson and surrounding communities.
• Johnsondale and Camp Whitsett, including M107 at Dome Rock, east to Lloyd Meadow Road (FS Road 22S82), south to M99 at Sherman Pass Road, west to M107 and M50.
• Ponderosa and Quaking Aspen. The warning area includes M107 at Dome Rock, north to Highway 190/M90 at North Road (FS Road 21S50), east to Route 21S05, at Needles Trail, south to Lloyd Meadow at Lower Peppermint Road (FS Road 22S82).
• The areas of McNally’s. From Sherman Pass Road to Corral Creek.

ROAD CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS:

• At Jack Ranch Road and Old Stage Road
• Highway 190 and Rio Vista
• MT99 at Gold Ledge Campground
• MT56 at Fountain Springs

EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION ALERTS: Tulare County residents can sign up to receive county emergency notifications by registering at AlertTC.com.

EVACUATION CENTER: A evacuation center is in place at Porterville College on 100 E. College Ave. Older individuals (60+) who need assistance with evacuation may call the senior hotline at 1-800-321-2462. For more information, visit https://tularecounty.ca.gov/emergencies/  or call 2-1-1. WINDY FIRE ANIMAL EVACUATION CENTER:  Domestic animals and poultry are being accepted at the Tulare County Animal Service Shelter, 14131 Avenue 256, Visalia, CA 93292.  Large animals and livestock can be taken to the International Agri-Center, 4500 S Laspina St, Tulare, CA 93274.

DAILY SMOKE OUTLOOK:  https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/SouthernSierra-Sequoia AirNow: Fire and Smoke Map: https://fire.airnow.gov/

SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST CLOSURES: Please refer to https://www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia for more information and a map of the closed areas.

HUNTING IN SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST: Hunting is possible outside of Forest Closure areas. Please refer to the link above for areas closed to public access at this time.  Please note that Sherman Pass Road is closed to Blackrock.

On Sunday, September 26, 2021, at 6:00 p.m., there will be virtual public meeting for the Windy Fire. The meeting will be livestreamed on the Sequoia National Forest Facebook page and on Zoom (meeting ID: 160 212 1141; passcode: J227!q; call-in phone number: 669-254-5252).

An ASL interpreter will be in attendance.

At the meeting's conclusion, the video of the meeting will be available for viewing on the Sequoia National Forest Facebook page at your convenience if you cannot attend live.

Prior to the meeting, submit questions or concerns you want addressed during the meeting to 2021.Windy@firenet.gov.

VIRTUAL COMMUNITY MEETING: A virtual community meeting for the Windy Fire will be held on Sunday, September 26th, at 6 P.M. The meeting will be live-streamed on the Sequoia National Forest Facebook @Sequoia NF and available on Zoom.  Information for connecting on Zoom will be available later today and posted on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7841. If you have questions you want addressed during the meeting, please email them to 2021.Windy@firenet.gov.

 RESOURCES: 1,776 personnel, 45 hand crews, 121 engines, 14 helicopters, 20 dozers, 6 water tenders
 Structures Threatened: 2,000 Residences, Commercial 100, Structures Destroyed: 0, Commercial, 2

 CURRENT SITUATION: The Windy Fire is 71,349 acres with 5% containment. The fire is burning on the Tule River Indian Reservation and the Sequoia National Forest, including the Giant Sequoia National Monument. The fire is being influenced by severe drought which can be categorized by extremely dry vegetation (trees, brush, grass), hot temperatures, low humidity, and steep, rugged terrain.

 Last night, with little humidity recovery and very warm temperatures, the fire continued to burn actively especially around California Hot Springs, Sugarloaf and north of Tobias Peak. Just south of Ponderosa, firefighters conducted a defensible firing operation east to the Lloyd Meadow Road (FS Road 22S28) and were successful in getting a good black line to stop the forward progress of the fire.

 Today, the highest priority continues to be structure protection in California Hot Springs, Sugarloaf, Ponderosa Camp Nelson, and other areas around the fire’s perimeter. Firefighters will work to get control of a 10-acre spot fir in Sugarloaf area near the Capinero Road. To date, no structures have been reported destroyed or damaged in California Hot Springs or Sugarloaf areas.

 On the southeast side, the fire continues to back down Speas Ridge east towards the Kern River. Firefighters will be working in the Fairview area clearing around structures. They will also be working along the Sugarloaf Road (23S16) and providing structure protection in the Vincent/Tobias Meadow area.

 On the westside, on the Tule River Indian Reservation, firefighters continue to hold and advance the containment lines to stop the fire’s progress to the west. Crews continue to scout the Two and Quarter Road south towards Wheaton for opportunities to contain the fire.

 On the north side, crews continue to construct and improve containment lines along the Coy Flat Road (FS Road 21S94) to Coy Flat. If conditions permit, firefighters may do a defensible firing operation along the Coy Flat Road into the Castle Fire perimeter.  Crews and structure protection engines will be in place in Camp Nelson and Mountainaire.

 On the northeast side near Ponderosa, crews will be holding and improving the containment line from last night’s firing operation conducted from the Western Divide Highway east to the Lloyd Meadow Road (FS Road 22S28). On the east side, along Lloyd Meadow Road crews will continue to use the road to strengthen containment lines south to M99 Road. Crews will continue looking for and extinguishing any hots spots (burning trees, stumps) along the road.

 WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Smoky, warm and dry conditions will again persist across the fire area.  Afternoon temperatures will climb into the upper 70’s to lower 80’s.  Humidity will be a little higher today, in the 20-30% range, with poor recovery tonight.

 EVACUATIONS ORDERS: The following information is from the Tulare County Sherriff’s Office.  Evacuation orders and warnings can change suddenly. Please refer to https://tularecounty.ca.gov/emergencies/  for Windy Fire Evacuation Warning Area Map. Please call 2-1-1 for more information.

• The communities of Sugar Loaf, Sugarloaf Mountain Park, Sugarloaf Saw Mill, White River, Idlewild, Posey, Panorama Heights, Poso, Balance Rock, Spear Creek, from the existing Hot Springs Evacuation Order west to King George Peak, south to County M56, including Oak Flat, Twin Peak, to Vincent Ranch at the Tulare-Kern Counties Border, east to Portuguese Peak, and back north to Dunlap Meadow.
• California Hot Springs and Pine Flat areas. The evacuation order includes M-504 at Tyler Creek, Southeast to Pine Flat, West to M-56 and Fire Control Road, North up Tyler Creek Road. This includes structures, side roads, and attached roads
• Camp Nelson and surrounding communities
• Johnsondale and Camp Whitsett, including M107 at Dome Rock, east to Lloyd Meadow Road (FS Road 22S82), south to M99 at Sherman Pass Road, west to M107 and M50.
• Ponderosa and Quaking Aspen. The warning area includes M107 at Dome Rock, north to Highway 190/M90 at North Road (FS Road 21S50), east to Route 21S05, at Needles Trail, south to Lloyd Meadow at Lower Peppermint Road (FS Road 22S82).
• The areas of McNally’s. From Sherman Pass Road to Corral Creek

EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION ALERTS: Tulare County residents can sign up to receive county emergency notifications by registering at AlertTC.com.

 WINDY FIRE ANIMAL EVACUATION CENTER:  For domestic animals and poultry, Tulare County Animal Service Shelter, 14131 Avenue 256, Visalia, CA 93292.  Large animals and livestock can be taken to the International Agri-Center, 4500 S Laspina St, Tulare, CA 93274.

 ROAD CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS: 

• At Jack Ranch Road and Old Stage Road
• Highway 190 and Rio Vista
• MT99 at Gold Ledge Campground
• MT56 at Fountain Springs

DAILY SMOKE OUTLOOK:  https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/SouthernSierra-Sequoia AirNow: Fire and Smoke Map: https://fire.airnow.gov/

SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST CLOSURES: Please refer to https://www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia for more information and a map of the closed areas.

 HUNTING IN SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST: Is possible outside of Forest Closure areas.  Please refer to the link above for the closure areas to avoid. Please note that Sherman Pass Road is closed to Blackrock.

 MEDIA: A new Media Phone number has been established, please call (213) 503-4243