The Windy Fire is 21,598 acres with 3% containment.  It is burning on the Tule River Indian Reservation and in Giant Sequoia National Monument, Sequoia National Forest in Tulare County. The fire grew yesterday afternoon across the Western Divide Highway (M107) and south to Johnsondale, Camp Whitsitt, and towards the Kern River. Fire also burned north reaching the Castle Fire burn scar from last year affecting the communities of Peppermint, Camp Nelson, Ponderosa, and Quaking Aspen.

Firefighters worked around the clock engaged in protecting structures in the affected communities. When possible, firefighting resources continue to go directly along the fire perimeter, strengthening dozer lines and improving the roads to create an opportunity to hold fire.

While cooler temperatures are expected over the fire area, windy conditions will also increase todayA RED FLAG WARNING is in place today until 5:00 pm. The terrain is steep, and like most of California, the vegetation is extremely dry.  This fire is actively backing downslope with burning logs rolling downhill causing uphill runs.  Firefighters are preparing existing roads as fire breaks and working at the fire’s edge when safe.  This is a full suppression fire.

The Windy Fire has burned through the Peyrone and Red Hill groves, and a portion of the Long Meadow Grove along the Trail of 100 Giants. The fire reached the edge of and skirted along the Long Meadow Grove. Generally fires can be destructive however low-intensity fires can be beneficial to giant sequoia trees. A damage assessment will be done in these groves when it is safe to do so.

Road Closures  

• Western Divide Highway (M107) is closed at North Road (21S50) intersection near Quaking Aspen Campground to M50 above California Hot Springs. 
• M99 is closed above Kernville at Sherman Pass (22S05) intersection.
• M99 is closed north of McNally’s Fairview Lodge at 7300 Kern River Highway going north towards Sherman Pass.

Evacuations Warnings:

Tulare County Sheriff has issued an evacuation warning for:

• Camp Nelson and surrounding communities

Evacuation ORDERS:

• Johnsondale and Camp Whitsett, including M107 at Dome Rock, east to Lloyd Meadow Road (22S82), south to M99 at Sherman Pass Road, west to M107 and M50.
• Ponderosa and Quaking Aspen. The area of warning includes M107 at Dome Rock, north to HWY 190/M90 at North Road (21S50), east to Route 21S05, at Needles Trail, south to Lloyd Meadow at Lower Peppermint Road (22S82). Should you choose to evacuate now, avoid all road closures and use HWY 190 to Porterville.

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.

Please refer to https://tularecounty.ca.gov/emergencies/ or call 2-1-1 for more information.

Large animals can be sheltered at the International Agri-Center located at 4500 S. Laspina Street, Tulare, CA 93274.

Sequoia National Forest officials have expanded the Forest Closure area due to the fire burning across the Western Divide Highway north of Johnsondale. The west side is closed on M50 where it reaches the Forest boundary near California Hot Springs. The southern edge ties in with the northern perimeter of the French Fire closure area near White River. The northern edge ties in with the Castle Fire closure area near Ponderosa.  M99, coming from Kernville is closed near Johnsondale Bridge. Please refer to https://www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia for more information and a map of the closed areas.

Hunting and Fire Closures:

The Regional Fire Order that closed the Sequoia National Forest as well as the other California forest was lifted several days ago.  The good news is that the Sequoia National Forest is open.  However, parts of the Sequoia National Forest have been closed due to the fire danger – and for public and firefighter’s safety.  The rest of the Forest is open.  Please check the Sequoia National Forest web page for the maps of the closure areas (https://www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia ) and go hunting outside of these areas; there are at least 4 separate closures at this time.  The Forest is trying to keep as much of the forest open as possible for everyone to use.

Emergency Notification Alerts:  Tulare County residents can sign up to receive county emergency notifications by registering at AlertTC.com.

Smoke Advisory: Please visit Air Now for smoke conditions.

Tulare County Issues New Evacuation Order for the Windy Fire VISALIA, CA –

The Tulare County Sheriff has issued an Evacuation Order for the communities of Ponderosa and Quaking Aspen. The area of warning includes M107 at Dome Rock, north to HWY 190/M90 at North Road (MT21S50), east to Route 21S05, at Needles Trail, south to Lloyd Meadow at Lower Peppermint Road (MT22S82).

An evacuation order means an immediate threat to life, safety, and property and all residents and visitors must leave now before the fire reaches the community. If you are unable to evacuate and need immediate assistance, please call 9-1-1. Avoid all road closures and use HWY 190 to Porterville.

A road closure is in effect for M107 from HWY 190/M90 to M50 at Parker Pass. There will be a roadblock at HWY 190 and Redwood – only residents of Cedar Slope will be allowed through with proof of residency.

If you need assistance with evacuation, please call 9-1-1. If you are able, please evacuate your domestic animals with you. If you are unable to do so, and under an evacuation order, please call Tulare County Animal Shelter Manager Cassandra Heffington at (559) 679-6222.

The temporary evacuation point where you may find information and assistance with sheltering, is at Porterville College, 100 E. College Ave. Individuals who may need assistance after evacuation may call 2-1-1. For those with RVs/Trailers, you may park at Porterville College – please check in to the TEP and they will show you where to park. You may dry camp at the International Agri-Center, 4500 S. Laspina in Tulare. Please enter through Gate D. There are water stations, and you may schedule dumping with office staff during regular business hours. There is no electricity. For other RV accommodations, please call 2-1-1.

Please refer to https://tularecounty.ca.gov/emergencies/ for the Windy Fire Evacuation Warning Area Map.

Call 2-1-1 for more information.

Log on to https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7841/ for incident information.

Click on this link for the smoke report in english and in spanish 

The Windy Fire is 12,370 acres with 0% containment.  It started on the eastern portion of the Tule River Reservation and is also burning in the Giant Sequoia National Monument, Sequoia National Forest in Tulare County.  The fire is burning on all sides; the fire is backing gently downslope on the western perimeter on the Tule River Reservation to the 212 road.  It has not crossed this road.  Last night the fire burned north to Slate Mountain and has burned a portion of the Slate Mountain Botanical area on the Giant Sequoia National Monument.  It has crossed the Western Divide Highway (M107) on the south end and has reached the Trail of 100 Giants on the southernmost perimeter.

Tulare County Issues New Evacuation Warning for the Windy Fire
September 17, 2021 
 
The Tulare County Sheriff has issued an evacuation warning for the communities of Camp Nelson, Pierpoint, Coy Flat, Mountain Aire, Cedar Slope, Alpine Village, Rogers Camp, and Sequoia Crest due to the Windy Fire.
Evacuation warnings are voluntary. Community members are strongly encouraged to prepare to evacuate if it becomes necessary. If individuals feel they need more time, please consider leaving the area now.
Should you choose to evacuate now, avoid all road closures and use HWY 190 to Porterville.
A road closure is in effect at M107 at HWY 190/M90 to Parker Pass.
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/animalservices/resources/animal-evacuation-form/.

Evacuation orders remain in effect for Johnsondale and Camp Whitsett, including M107 at Dome Rock, east to Lloyd Meadow at Lower Peppermint Road (MT22S82), south to M99 at Sherman Pass Road, west to M107 and M50.

Evacuation warnings remain in effect for Ponderosa and Quaking Aspen.
Please refer to https://tularecounty.ca.gov/emergencies/ for the Windy Fire Evacuation Warning Area Map. Call 2-1-1 for more information. 

Fire staff and Forest officials along with the other agencies involved will be holding a public meeting today on Facebook Live at 6 PM.  The meeting will be broadcast from the Secquoia National Forest Facebook page.

Please submit any questions you may have on the Windy Fire incident by 4 PM today to:  2021.windy@firenet.gov

See the flyer below for more details. 

The Windy Fire is 6849 acres with 0% containment.  It is burning on the Tule River Indian Reservation and in Giant Sequoia National Monument, Sequoia National Forest in Tulare County. The fire grew yesterday afternoon to the east towards Windy Gap crossing the Western Divide Highway (M107) and south to Johnsondale, Camp Whitsitt and Long Meadow Grove. 

While cooler temperatures are expected over the fire area, windy conditions will also increase today and through the weekend. The terrain is steep, and like most of California, the vegetation is extremely dry.  This fire is actively backing downslope with burning logs rolling downhill causing uphill runs.  Firefighters are preparing existing roads as fire breaks and working at the fire’s edge when safe.  This is a full suppression fire.

The Windy Fire has burned through a portion of the Peyrone Grove that straddles the Tule River Indian Reservation and the Giant Sequoia National Monument.  Yesterday it reached the edge of and skirted along the Long Meadow Grove.  Several other groves are threatened by this fire.  While low intensity fires can be beneficial to giant sequoia trees, high intensity fires are not.  A damage assessment will be done in these groves when it is safe to do so.

Virtual Public Meeting Today at 6PM

Representatives from the Sequoia National Forest and cooperating agencies will be updating residents and others interested in the progress of firefighting efforts on the Windy Fire during a Facebook Live Meeting today. It will be broadcast on the Sequoia National Forest Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SequoiaNF/ . Please submit questions in advance prior to 4 p.m. via email to 2021.windy@firenet.gov We will try to provide answers to your questions during the meeting. 

Road Closures – Western Divide Highway (M107) is closed at North Road (21S50) intersection near Quaking Aspen Campground to M50 above California Hot Springs.  M99 is closed above Kernville at Sherman Pass (22S05) intersection.

Evacuations Warnings and Orders:

Tulare County Sheriff has issued an Evacuation Warning for the community of Ponderosa and Quaking Aspen. The area of warning includes M107 at Dome Rock, north to HWY 190/M90 at North Road (21S50), east to Route 21S05, at Needles Trail, south to Lloyd Meadow at Lower Peppermint Road (22S82). Should you choose to evacuate now, avoid all road closures and use HWY 190 to Porterville.

Evacuation ORDERS remain in effect for Johnsondale and Camp Whitsett, including M107 at Dome Rock, east to Lloyd Meadow Road (22S82), south to M99 at Sherman Pass Road, west to M107 and M50.

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.

Please refer to https://tularecounty.ca.gov/emergencies/ or call 2-1-1 for more information.

Sequoia National Forest officials have expanded the Forest closure area due to the fire burning across the Western Divide Highway north of Johnsondale.  The west side is closed on M50 where it reaches the Forest boundary near California Hot Springs.  The southern edge ties in with the northern perimeter of the French Fire closure area near White River. The northern edge ties in with the Castle Fire closure area near Ponderosa.  M 99, coming from Kernville is closed near Johnsondale Bridge. Please refer to https://www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia for more information and a map of the closed areas.

Emergency Notification Alerts:  Tulare County residents can sign up to receive county emergency notifications by registering at AlertTC.com.

Smoke Advisory information on areas surrounding the Windy Fire 

The Windy Fire is 974 acres with 0% containment.  The fire is burning on the Tule River Indian Reservation and is currently well established to the west of Slate Mountain, Mule Peak and Onion Meadow Peak. It is actively burning in dense dry fuels in steep inaccessible terrain. Vegetation in the fire area includes chaparral, dense brush, grass and timber which includes dead conifers and oak trees. The fire is expected to continue to spread through the dry, drought-stricken fuels and has already impacted the Giant Sequoia National Monument and burned into the Peyrone Sequoia grove.  The fire is also threatening or impacting numerous cultural and historical sites, cabins, campgrounds and sensitive species habitats.

The fire is currently moving south towards Mule Meadow, and east towards Nobe Young Meadow. The Windy Fire is 4 miles from the community of Ponderosa, 5 miles from Johnsondale and 6 miles from Camp Nelson.  Local residents, please continue to monitor fire progress.

Firefighters will continue to take opportunities to contain the fire's edge when safely possible with the limited resources available. They will also be using roads, ridges and other natural and manmade features when direct attack is not possible with the limited operational resources currently assigned. Additional operational resources have been requested.  This is a full suppression fire.

As of yesterday, September 12, 2021, at 6 pm the Windy Fire is under management of California Interagency Incident Management Team 11 (CIIMT 11) in unified command with the US Forest Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs on behalf of the Tule River Tribe.

Forest Closure in Effect 

The USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region has announced a temporary closure of nine National Forests for public and firefighter safety. This includes the Sequoia National Forest. This closure will be effective through September 17, 2021, at 11:59 p.m., and may be reassessed as conditions change. The full closure order and closure map are available at https://go.usa.gov/xF7EM 

Sheriff Issues Issues New Evacuation Order for the Windy Fire
September 16, 2021

Sheriff Boudreaux has now issued an EVACUATION ORDER due to the Windy Fire for the communities of Johnsondale and nearby Camp Whitsett. The evacuation order includes from M107 at Dome Rock, east to Lloyd Meadow at Lower Peppermint Road, (M22S82), south to M99 at Sherman Pass Road, west to M107 and M50.

An evacuation order, also known as a mandatory evacuation, means an immediate threat to life, safety, and property and all residents and visitors should leave now before the fire reaches the community. If you are unable to evacuate and need immediate assistance, please call 9-1-1.

The temporary evacuation point where you may find information and assistance with sheltering, is at Porterville College, 100 E. College Ave. Individuals who may need assistance evacuating may call 2-1-1.

Please refer to https://tularecounty.ca.gov/emergencies/ for the Windy Fire Evacuation Warning Area Map. Call 2-1-1 for more information. Log on to https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7841/ for incident information.

If you are able, please evacuate your domestic animals with you. If you are unable to do so, and under an evacuation order, please call Tulare County Animal Shelter Manager Cassandra Heffington at (559) 679-6222.

A road closure at M107 between Aspen Dr. and M50 continues to be in effect.