Tulare County Sheriff's Office

October 12, 2021

Sheriff to Remove Evacuation Order, MULTIPLE Evacuation Warnings for Some Areas Impacted by KNP Complex Fire

Effective immediately, Sheriff Boudreaux will remove the Evacuation Order for the residents on the Upper North Fork Drive and Sycamore Drive. Only property owners will be allowed to access these areas. Proof of ownership will be needed to access these areas.

Residents living in these areas may return to their homes after showing proof of residence to law enforcement officers. Proper documentation must include the person’s name and address within the impacted area. Examples include a driver’s license, utility bill or address documentation from the U.S. Post Office for people who use a post office box.

Also, effective immediately, Sheriff Boudreaux will remove all Evacuation Warnings for the community of Three Rivers, Hartland, Eshom Valley, Big Meadows, Weston Meadows, and Quail Flat. (NOT including Upper Mineral King which will remain in an Evacuation Order). These areas will include all structures, residential and businesses.

Sheriff Boudreaux and the United States Park Service and the United Stated Forest Service want to remind everyone the National Forest and Park remain closed. Fire personnel and heavy equipment are still traveling throughout the area. Please be mindful of the personnel on the ground and equipment in the area.

Roadblocks will be at the Oak Grove Bridge on Mineral King Road, and on Highway 198 at the entrance to Sequoia National Park.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will remain closed and only authorized Forest, Park, and Fire personnel are allowed inside the closed areas at this time.

Please refer to https://tularecounty.ca.gov/emergencies/ KNP Complex Evacuation Area Map for more information. 

Sheriff to Downgrade Evacuation Orders for Some Areas Impacted by KNP Complex Fire

Sheriff Boudreaux will downgrade the Evacuation Order to Evacuation Warning for the mountain communities of Big Meadows, Weston Meadows, and Quail Flat. 

At this time, only permitted cabin owners are allowed into these communities. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will remain closed and only fire personnel are allowed inside the park.

Due to the current closure of the Generals Highway, please access these areas via Burton Pass. US Forest Service will be Patrolling these areas.

Residents living in these areas may return to their homes after showing proof of residence to law enforcement officers. Proper documentation must include the person’s name and address within the impacted area. Examples include a driver’s license, utility bill or address documentation from the U.S. Post Office for people who use a post office box.

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.

If you have any questions, please contact the USFS Office 559-338-2251 or refer to https://tularecounty.ca.gov/emergencies/ KNP Complex Evacuation Area Map for more information. 

Acres: 87,467 acres                          

Containment: 30%

Start Date: September 10, 2021                                           

Cause: Lightning

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

Resources: 2,083 personnel including: 42 crews, 130 engines, 41 water tenders, 11 dozers and 17 helicopters

North Zone: Decreased visibility hampered suppression and aircraft response yesterday. Light snow fell at higher elevations and temperatures dropped to 15 degrees in some areas. In anticipation of falling temperatures, the instability of trees and weakened limbs, crews moved to lower, warmer elevations for the night. Full connection of containment line in the northeast section between Montecito Lodge and Stony Creek is expected to be complete in the coming days. No forward progression beyond the current fire footprint is expected, and crews will focus on mop-up and scouting activities. Fire managers expect that calmer winds and clearer conditions will allow for unmanned aircraft system patrols over areas which remain inaccessible to crews due to extreme overhead hazards from broken and burned tree limbs. Drone operations will give a clearer picture of the fire’s impact on larger sequoia groves. Night crews have been released to assist with daytime operations.

South Zone: Yesterday, most of the fire area received some amount of precipitation as either rain or snow. Early in the morning, before the wind began, aircraft was utilized to provide protection in anticipation of any additional spread. More blackline was added in the southern zone connecting the area east of the Sheep Ridge Wilderness south along the perimeter to where it tied back into black, south of Fry’s Point. The hotshot crew strategically inserted on the southwestern edge of the fire perimeter and the East Fork of the Kaweah River continue to complete direct line working to the east. This work will continue over the next few days. Backhaul operations continue on the western portion of the fire to remove hose lays, pumps, and other excessive equipment that is no longer needed to support suppression efforts. The difficult work through the duff in Atwell Grove continues with hand line construction north towards the natural features. This work will ensure both the trees are protected and they are able to extinguish any residual heat near the fire's perimeter.

Weather: Dryer weather is expected today, bringing warmer temperatures which will last through the end of the week.

Safety: Please continue to respect closures and reduce speeds when traveling in and around the fire area. Be advised that road conditions may have deteriorated overnight due to precipitation at higher elevations.

Evacuations: Evacuation ORDERS and WARNINGS are in place. For the most up-to-date information, visit: https://nifc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=4b2ac27b5c8943ed92c0e77aa94daca0. Learn to prepare for an evacuation by visiting https://www.readyforwildfire.org/.

Closures: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are closed west of the Pacific Crest Trail and south of the ridgeline which lies north of Ionian Basin. In addition, the BLM Case Mountain Extensive Recreation Management Area and major portions of the Sequoia National Forest are also closed. View closures at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7838/

Smoke Impacts: Current air quality updates can be found at https://www.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/FresnoCA.

FIRE INFORMATION

North Zone

PUBLIC and MEDIA: (559) 494-4881 (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)

South Zone

PUBLIC: (559) 492-9988 (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.); MEDIA: (559) 492-9967

EMAIL: 2021.KNP@firenet.gov

INCIWEB: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7838/

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

YOUTUBE:

https://bit.ly/KNPComplexYT 

Earlier today, October 11, 2021, a hand crew member working in the Atwell Grove area was struck and injured by a rolling rock. The crew member was examined by medics on the incident and flown out to the hospital in Visalia for further care. The patient has made contact with their family members and is currently in stable condition. 

We are aware that an accident involving rolling material occurred at approximately 11:15 am in the vicinity of Atwell Grove area. Agency personnel are responding. Additional information will be released as it becomes available. 

October 11, 2021

Acres: 87,468 acres                          

Containment: 30%

Start Date: September 10, 2021                                           

Cause: Lightning

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

Resources: 2,118 personnel including: 45 crews, 130 engines, 40 water tenders, 21 dozers and 14 helicopters

North Zone: Favorable weather has provided crews a welcome reprieve from aggressive fire behavior, and little to no forward progression is expected over the next operational period. Mop up and removal of suppression equipment has commenced as line completion has progressed in the northwest. Direct line is now in place from the Eshom Valley around the north end of the fire to Stony Creek on the east. Firefighters will reinforce these lines over the next several days. On the eastern flank near Giant Forest Grove, crews will search for and extinguish hot spots and work on contingency lines around the grove. Aircraft is available to fly if conditions are favorable. Fire managers will be paying particular attention to forecasted high winds and gusty conditions over the next 24 hours and are prepared to respond accordingly should the fire move beyond its current footprint.

South Zone: Yesterday, aircraft was utilized to place retardant around the Redwood Meadow Grove and Case Mountain Grove, providing protection in the event of any additional spread. Additionally, blackline was added in the southern zone north of Ash Mountain up towards the zone break. A hotshot crew was strategically inserted on the southwestern edge of the fire perimeter and the East Fork of the Kaweah River. The crew has completed approximately 1 mile of handline, working to the east. This work will continue over the next few days. Firefighters are focusing on work to be done for the west and south portions of the fire. Backhaul operations continue on the western portion of the fire to remove hose lays, pumps, and other excessive equipment that is no longer needed to support suppression efforts. Firefighters continue laborious work in Atwell grove where they are constructing handline in dead plant material such as leaves, bark, and twigs that is up to 3 feet deep. This work will ensure both the trees are protected and they are able to extinguish any residual heat near the fire's perimeter. The constructed line will continue north and connect to a scree field, or natural holding feature.

A virtual public meeting was held last night and is viewable here: https://youtube.com/channel/UCe2YK0AO0yGBpcYosb3cguA

Weather: A cold front is moving rapidly through the area and will bring much lower temperatures, higher humidity and some precipitation. Unseasonably low temperatures will remain once the cold front passes, but dryer air will move in.

Safety: Please continue to respect closures and reduce speeds when traveling in and around the fire area.

Evacuations: Evacuation ORDERS and WARNINGS are in place. For the most up-to-date information, visit: https://nifc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=4b2ac27b5c8943ed92c0e77aa94daca0. Learn to prepare for an evacuation by visiting https://www.readyforwildfire.org/.

Closures: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are closed west of the Pacific Crest Trail and south of the ridgeline which lies north of Ionian Basin. In addition, the BLM Case Mountain Extensive Recreation Management Area and major portions of the Sequoia National Forest are also closed. View closures at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7838/

Smoke Impacts: Current air quality updates can be found at https://www.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/FresnoCA.

Fire Information:

North Zone

PUBLIC and MEDIA: (559) 494-4881 (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)

South Zone

PUBLIC: (559) 492-9988 (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.); MEDIA: (559) 492-9967

EMAIL: 2021.KNP@firenet.gov

INCIWEB: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7838/

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

YOUTUBE:

https://bit.ly/KNPComplexYT 

County of Tulare

For Immediate Release

October 10, 2021

COUNTY TO DOWNGRADE EVACUATION ORDERS FOR AREAS AFFECTED BY KNP COMPLEX

VISALIA, CA – Effective at 12 noon, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2021, Tulare County will downgrade the Evacuation Order to Evacuation Warning for residences in the communities of Hartland and Eshom Valley. Only property owners will be allowed to access these areas. Proof of ownership will be needed to access these areas. At this time, only residents and business owners are permitted to return to the area.

Sheriff Boudreaux and the National Park Service want to remind everyone Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park remains closed. Fire personnel and heavy equipment are still traveling throughout the area. Please be mindful of the personnel on the ground and equipment in the area.

Effective at 12 noon, Saturday, Oct. 10, 2021, Tulare County will remove the Evacuation Warning for residences in the Badger Area.

Roadblocks will be at Eshom Valley Dr and Pierce Valley Rd, and at Eshom Valley Dr and Whittaker Forest.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will remain closed and only fire personnel are allowed inside the park at this time. At this time, only residents and business owners are permitted to return. Residents living in these areas may return to their homes after showing proof of residence to law enforcement officers. Proper documentation must include the person’s name and address within the impacted area. Examples include a driver’s license, utility bill or address documentation from the U.S. Post Office for people who use a post office box.

Residents returning to evacuation warning areas should be ready to leave again at a moment’s notice, as the fire is still active in some areas. Conditions may change, which may cause officials to re-issue mandatory evacuation status, if necessary.

Tulare County advises residents returning to communities impacted by wildfires to take caution upon returning to their homes:

•            Conduct a thorough inspection of structures, which may have been damaged, to prevent injury;

•            Do not consume refrigerated or frozen food stored in appliances that may have lost electricity, and dispose of these items properly;

 •           Wear personal protective equipment, including long-sleeved shirts and pants, hard hats, safety glasses, leather gloves, and steel toe boots, to reduce risk of injury;

•            Be aware of burnt or unstable trees on your route or on your property and hidden hotspots underground which may present hazards;

•            Do not enter a confined space (for example, septic tanks, storage tanks, utility vaults, wells) without proper training and equipment;

•            Avoid potential electrical hazards such as damaged power lines and electrical equipment that has been exposed to fire heat;

•            Be cautious around hazardous and potentially dangerous materials such as propane tanks, gasoline tanks, and chemicals, and seek professional help in assessing or removing any hazardous waste;

•            Use proper lifting techniques when removing debris and other items, and seek help from others when moving heavy or bulky items to reduce risk of musculoskeletal injuries;

•            Wear personal protective equipment to avoid exposure to smoke and ash, dispose of ash using vacuums equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters;

•            During clean up, use a particulate respirator mask, either P95 or P100 (sold at pharmacies), to provide protection from smoke and ash inhalation;

•            Avoid burned items that may contain hazardous materials. Avoid ash from decks and fences treated with chromated copper arsenate (a wood preservative) as it may contain lethal amounts of arsenic;

•            Do not consume any food, beverages, or medications that have been exposed to burn debris or ash;

•            Seek support as needed for emotional stress and mental and physical fatigue resulting from evacuation from and return to your residence;

•            Check your homeowner’s insurance policy for information about your home and property coverage; and,

Always be aware of your surroundings, and proceed cautiously to avoid hazards when returning to an area affected by wildfire. Seek professional help when assessing potential hazards and seek medical assistance when necessary. 

October 10, 2021

Acres: 87,145 acres                           

Containment: 20%

Start Date: September 10, 2021                                           

Cause: Lightning

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

Resources: 1,935 personnel including: 41 crews, 112 engines, 36 water tenders, 21 dozers and 16 helicopters

Announcement:  KNP Complex North and South Zone Virtual Community Meeting will be held Sunday October 10, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be live streamed to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Facebook Page, the Sequoia National Forest Facebook Page and the KNP Complex YouTube channel. Please email 2021.knp@firenet.gov with questions prior to the meeting.

North Zone: Fire crews are taking advantage of the recent rain and favorable weather. Higher fuel moisture and increased humidity has decreased the chance of rapid fire spread allowing for line construction directly on the fire’s edge in several areas where it was previously unsafe to do so. Six hot shot crews are making good progress cutting line from the area of Big Baldy Mountain south to Cabin Creek. Structure protection groups are deployed in Giant Forest Grove, Wilsonia and Grant Grove. These groups are protecting both structures and sequoia groves. Sprinkler systems have been set up around structures and within the groves. Work on the west contingency line at Logger Peak and Dark Canyon is expected to be completed in a couple of days.   

South Zone: California Incident Management Team 1 assumed command of the South Zone on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 6:00 pm. They will continue to build upon the good work previously done by Southwest Area Incident Management Team 2. Firefighters assisted by aviation assets will continue to patrol and mop up along the fire perimeter starting at the zone break, working south towards Advent. With the additional containment along the southwest portion of the fire, crews will begin to backhaul the nearly 40,000 ft of hose lay in place. Firefighters are utilizing the existing dozer line to access the fire perimeter northeast of Three Rives. They will address any concerning heats along the perimeter, air support will be available to assist with bucket drops as visibility allows. Secondary contingency lines continue to be scouted in preparation of any movement. Containment of the south end of the fire continues to be a high priority. Crews are working to keep the fire north of the East Fork of the Kaweah River. Handline is being constructed in the southwest corner to prevent spread to the west of Mineral King Road. Preparation and protection efforts are ongoing in Atwell Grove.

Weather: A weak high pressure system over the area will bring slightly warmer temperatures today.

Safety: Please continue to respect closures and reduce speeds when traveling in and around the fire area.

Evacuations: Evacuation ORDERS and WARNINGS are in place. For the most up-to-date information, visit: https://nifc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=4b2ac27b5c8943ed92c0e77aa94daca0. Learn to prepare for an evacuation by visiting https://www.readyforwildfire.org/.

Closures: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are closed west of the Pacific Crest Trail and south of the ridgeline which lies north of Ionian Basin. In addition, the BLM Case Mountain Extensive Recreation Management Area and major portions of the Sequoia National Forest are also closed. View closures at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7838/

Smoke Impacts: Current air quality updates can be found at https://www.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/FresnoCA.

Fire Information:

North Zone

PUBLIC and MEDIA: (559) 494-4881 (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.)

South Zone

PUBLIC: (559) 492-9988 (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.); MEDIA: (559) 492-9967

EMAIL: 2021.KNP@firenet.gov

INCIWEB: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7838/

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

YOUTUBE:

https://bit.ly/KNPComplexYT 

October 9, 2021

COUNTY TO DOWNGRADE EVACUATION ORDERS FOR AREAS AFFECTED BY KNP COMPLEX

VISALIA, CA – Effective at 12 p.m. on Saturday, October 9, 2021, county authorities will downgrade the following areas from Evacuation Orders to Evacuation Warnings:

Residences on Hammond, Crest, and Sierra King along Mineral King Road, as well as along Sierra Drive (Highway 198) from Mineral King Road, north to the entrance to Sequoia National Park, (NOT including Sycamore Drive). These areas will include all structures, residential and businesses.

Residences on Sycamore Drive remain under Evacuation Orders at this time. All prior evacuation orders and warnings not addressed here will remain in effect.

Roadblocks will be at the Oak Grove Bridge on Mineral King Road, and on Highway 198 at the entrance to Sequoia National Park.

Effective at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 9, 2021, residences in Wilsonia will be downgraded to a warning. Residents can only access from the north on Highway 180.

At this time, only residents and business owners are permitted to return. Residents living in these areas may return to their homes after showing proof of residence to law enforcement officers. Proper documentation must include the person’s name and address within the impacted area. Examples include a driver’s license, utility bill or address documentation from the U.S. Post Office for people who use a post office box.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will remain closed and only fire personnel are allowed inside the park at this time.

Residents returning to evacuation warning areas should be ready to leave again at a moment’s notice, as the fire is still active in some areas. Conditions may change, which may cause officials to re-issue mandatory evacuation status, if necessary.

Tulare County advises residents returning to communities impacted by wildfires to take caution upon returning to their homes:

•            Conduct a thorough inspection of structures, which may have been damaged, to prevent injury;

 •           Do not consume refrigerated or frozen food stored in appliances that may have lost electricity, and dispose of these items properly;

•            Wear personal protective equipment, including long-sleeved shirts and pants, hard hats, safety glasses, leather gloves, and steel toe boots, to reduce risk of injury;

•            Be aware of burnt or unstable trees on your route or on your property and hidden hotspots underground which may present hazards;

•            Do not enter a confined space (for example, septic tanks, storage tanks, utility vaults, wells) without proper training and equipment;

•            Avoid potential electrical hazards such as damaged power lines and electrical equipment that has been exposed to fire heat;

•            Be cautious around hazardous and potentially dangerous materials such as propane tanks, gasoline tanks, and chemicals, and seek professional help in assessing or removing any hazardous waste;

•            Use proper lifting techniques when removing debris and other items, and seek help from others when moving heavy or bulky items to reduce risk of musculoskeletal injuries;

•            Wear personal protective equipment to avoid exposure to smoke and ash, dispose of ash using vacuums equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters;

•            During clean up, use a particulate respirator mask, either P95 or P100 (sold at pharmacies), to provide protection from smoke and ash inhalation;

•            Avoid burned items that may contain hazardous materials. Avoid ash from decks and fences treated with chromated copper arsenate (a wood preservative) as it may contain lethal amounts of arsenic;

•            Do not consume any food, beverages, or medications that have been exposed to burn debris or ash;

•            Seek support as needed for emotional stress and mental and physical fatigue resulting from evacuation from and return to your residence;

•            Check your homeowner’s insurance policy for information about your home and property coverage; and,

Always be aware of your surroundings and proceed cautiously to avoid hazards when returning to an area affected by wildfire. Seek professional help when assessing potential hazards and seek medical assistance when necessary.

### 

October 9, 2021

Acres: 87,145 acres                           

Containment: 20%

Start Date: September 10, 2021                                           

Cause: Lightning

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

Resources: 1,972 personnel including: 40 crews, 114 engines, 36 water tenders, 21 dozers and 14 helicopters

Announcement:  KNP Complex North and South Zone Virtual Community Meeting will be held Sunday October 10, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be live streamed to Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park Facebook Page and Sequoia National Forest Facebook Page. Please email 2021.knp@firenet.gov with questions prior to the meeting.

North Zone: Yesterday, on the north end of the fire, crews worked to mop up hot spots still smoldering after Wednesday night’s burning operation. Firefighters also worked around structures in Wilsonia and nearby sequoia groves. Rain fell on the fire yesterday with some areas receiving up to three-tenths of an inch, significantly decreasing fire behavior. Unfortunately, because of the hazards of rocks and snags falling down slope firefighters were unable to engage directly on the east side along Generals Highway. Humidity will remain high today and the fuels will remain moist. Although the potential for the fire to be spread by rolling materials still exists, the chances of forward progress are minimal.

South Zone: After many weeks of hard work, containment has increased along portions of the western perimeter. Resources previously working in these areas are being strategically placed throughout the South Zone to assist with ongoing suppression efforts. Firefighters are moving back into the fire area after yesterday’s weather limited safe access. Line construction and hose lay is being put in place on the southwest corner to prevent further spread to the west of Mineral King Road. Handline and hose lays on the southeast corner connecting Mineral King Road and the East Fork Kaweah River have been completed. Crews are working to improve lines and mop up any remaining pockets of heat. Preparation and protection tactics are being utilized in Atwell Grove in the event the fire continues to move east. California Incident Management Team 1 has arrived and will assume command of the south zone at 6:00 pm tonight.

Weather: Yesterday’s storms brought a wetting rain over the majority of the fire area. Today will be sunny and dry with light, north-northwesterly winds.

Safety: As we start the weekend, please continue to respect closures and reduce speeds when traveling in and around the fire area.

Evacuations: Evacuation ORDERS and WARNINGS are in place. For the most up-to-date information, visit: https://nifc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=4b2ac27b5c8943ed92c0e77aa94daca0. Learn to prepare for an evacuation by visiting https://www.readyforwildfire.org/.

Closures: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are closed west of the Pacific Crest Trail and south of the ridgeline which lies north of Ionian Basin. In addition, the BLM Case Mountain Extensive Recreation Management Area and major portions of the Sequoia National Forest are also closed. View closures at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/7838/

Smoke Impacts: As weather warms up over the next few days, smoke may be visible as fire consumes unburned pockets of vegetation within the fire perimeter. Current air quality updates can be found at https://www.wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/FresnoCA.

Fire Information:

PUBLIC: (559) 492-9988 (8 a.m. – 8 p.m.); MEDIA: (559) 492-9967

EMAIL: 2021.KNP@firenet.gov

INCIWEB: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7838/

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

YOUTUBE:

https://bit.ly/KNPComplexYT