Incident Information:

Start / Report Date: 8/19/20 

Cause: Lightning

Resources:

Hand Crews: 15

Dozers: 3

Size: 168,297 acres        

Location: 25 miles N of Kernville, CA

Helicopters: 13

  Water Tenders: 13                           

Structures Destroyed: 228

Engines: 24

Total Personnel: 773

Current Situation:

The South Fork area is now open to residents only. All Mandatory evacuation orders have been lifted. Warnings are still in place for several areas. See www.facebook.com/Tulare-County-Recovers-SQF-Complex-Fire-118633719998389/ for more information.   

Tulare County has been officially added to the Federal Major Disaster Declaration for Wildfires in California, providing individual assistance programs and resources to those impacted by the SQF Complex Fire. For more information - https://tularecounty.ca.gov/county/

Today’s Operations video can be found at https://www.facebook.com/SequoiaNF/

Crews and air operations continue to work in the Cahoon and Hockett areas. A total of 150 miles of dozer work and 19 miles of handline remain to be completed. Spot fires may continue to pop up today on west-facing slopes. 

Weather: A cooling trend starts today and will continue for the next six or seven days with a light northwesterly breeze in the afternoon that will help clear the smoke. Humidity will continue to increase. The possibility of spot fires remains likely over the next week.  

A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team is in place on the Castle fire.  For information on SQF Complex BAER team activities https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7240/ 

The Sequoia National Forest covers over 1.1 million acres in three counties of Southern California and offers an abundance of recreation opportunities for people to enjoy. The Forest offers 52 developed campgrounds, hiking on more than 1,147 miles of trails including 47 miles of the PCT, over 314,448 acres of wilderness, 222 miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers, 2,617 rivers and streams, world-class whitewater rapids, 158 ponds and lakes, boating, fishing, biking, horseback riding and more.

CLOSURES AND EVACUATIONS:

The Sequoia National Forest - www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd825787.pdf

Forest Service Regional Emergency Fire restrictions -www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd827759.pdf

Inyo National Forest closures - www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd796836.pdf

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park - https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

The Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Office has issued a temporary emergency closure.  www.blm.gov/press-release/bureau-land-management-temporarily-closes-case-mountain-recreation-area#:~:text=BAKERSFIELD%2C%20Calif.,Complex%20Fire%20(SQF%20Complex).

Southern California Edison (SCE) is working to safely and quickly restore power. Call 1 800 250-7339 or Check www.sce.com/safety/assistance-center.

Mountain Home Demonstration State Forest - https://www.fire.ca.gov/programs/resource-management/resource-protection-improvement/demonstration-state-forests/mountain-home/

Evacuation Information: Currently no evacuation orders are in place, evacuation warnings remain in place for several areas open to residents only or those with work orders assisting residents with their recovery efforts.

Tulare County Castle fire impacted property owner information can be found at tularecounty.ca.gov/Recovers/  or on the Tulare County Recovers – SQF Complex Facebook page.

The Tulare County Local Assistance Center (LAC) Hotline for affected citizens is 559-802-9790.  A satellite LAC is open in Camp Nelson on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Evacuation information can be found at www.facebook.com/TulareSheriff/photos/pcb.4467454503325547/4467453416658989/

Be prepared after a wildfire  For more information visit: www.readyforwildfire.org/post-wildfire/returning-home/ 

Cooperating and Assisting Organizations: Southern California Edison, Tulare County Fire, Tulare County Sheriff, Tulare County OES, Tulare County Roads, California Highway Patrol, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Conservation Corps, California Office of Emergency Services, AT&T, Verizon, California Department of Transportation, California Air National Guard, and California National Guard. CONAFOR, Mexico.

Smoke: Current air quality may be found at https://fire.airnow.gov/ .

Alert: To receive emergency notifications regarding evacuations and critical events sign up at alerttc.com  

Safety Message: Prepare for the possibility of fire in advance, visit www.ready.gov/wildfires.

Incident Information:

Start / Report Date: 8/19/20 

Cause: Lightning

Resources:

Hand Crews: 18

Dozers: 6

Size: 168,095 acres        

Location: 25 miles N of Kernville, CA

Helicopters: 13

  Water Tenders: 17                           

Containment: 72 % 

Injuries: 17

Structures Destroyed: 228

Engines: 27

Total Personnel: 860

Current Situation:

The South Fork area is now open to residents. Mandatory evacuation orders have been lifted. Warnings are still in place for several areas, residents only. See www.facebook.com/Tulare-County-Recovers-SQF-Complex-Fire-118633719998389/ for more information.

Tulare County has been officially added to the Federal Major Disaster Declaration for Wildfires in California, providing individual assistance programs and resources to those impacted by the SQF Complex Fire. For more information - https://tularecounty.ca.gov/county/

Today’s Operations video can be found at https://www.facebook.com/SequoiaNF/

Crews continue to work in the Cahoon and Hockett areas.  A total of 150 miles of dozer work and 19 miles of handline remain to be completed.  Crews are continuing this work.  Air operations dropped 38,000 gallons of retardant yesterday.  Spot fires may continue today on west-facing slopes.

Weather:  Today will be warmer with less humidity and light wind in the afternoon. A cooling trend starts tomorrow and continues for the next six or seven days. There is no rain in the forecast. Increased fire behavior and a chance of spot fires are likely today. 

A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team is in place on the Castle fire.  For information on SQF Complex BAER team activities https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7240/ 

Four Hotshot crews are working in the Hockett and Cahoon Meadows Cabin areas. Hotshot crews, (Interagency Hotshot Crews or IHC), first established in the 1940’s, are highly-skilled hand crews trained for all phases of fire management and incident operations. IHCs are staffed, conditioned, equipped and qualified to meet a variety of strategic and tactical wildland fire assignments. 

Giant Sequoia National Monument is located in the Sequoia National Forest.  This monument was established in April 2000 and encompasses 328,315 acres, the Giant Sequoia National Monument is home to 33 groves or grove complexes of giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) - the world's largest tree.

CLOSURES AND EVACUATIONS:

The Sequoia National Forest - www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd825787.pdf

Forest Service Regional Emergency Fire restrictions -www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd827759.pdf

Inyo National Forest closures - www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd796836.pdf

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park - https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

The Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Office has issued a temporary emergency closure.  www.blm.gov/press-release/bureau-land-management-temporarily-closes-case-mountain-recreation-area#:~:text=BAKERSFIELD%2C%20Calif.,Complex%20Fire%20(SQF%20Complex).

Southern California Edison (SCE) is working to safely and quickly restore power. Call 1 800 250-7339 or Check www.sce.com/safety/assistance-center.

Mountain Home Demonstration State Forest - https://www.fire.ca.gov/programs/resource-management/resource-protection-improvement/demonstration-state-forests/mountain-home/

Evacuations:

Tulare County Castle fire impacted property owner information can be found at tularecounty.ca.gov/Recovers/  or on the Tulare County Recovers – SQF Complex Facebook page.

The Tulare County Local Assistance Center (LAC) Hotline for affected citizens is 559-802-9790.  A satellite LAC is open in Camp Nelson on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Evacuation information can be found at www.facebook.com/TulareSheriff/photos/pcb.4467454503325547/4467453416658989/

Be prepared after a wildfire  For more information visit: www.readyforwildfire.org/post-wildfire/returning-home/ 

Cooperating and Assisting Organizations: Southern California Edison, Tulare County Fire, Tulare County Sheriff, Tulare County OES, Tulare County Roads, California Highway Patrol, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Conservation Corps, California Office of Emergency Services, AT&T, Verizon, California Department of Transportation, California Air National Guard, and California National Guard. CONAFOR, Mexico.

Smoke: Current air quality may be found at https://fire.airnow.gov/ .

Alert: To receive emergency notifications regarding evacuations and critical events sign up at alerttc.com  

Safety Message: Prepare for the possibility of fire in advance, visit www.ready.gov/wildfires.

Informe Diario Sobre el Humo 

Información del incidente:

Fecha de inicio/informe:
19 de agosto de 2020

Causa: Rayos

Recursos:

Cuadrillas con intervención manual: 13

Excavadoras: 3

Tamaño: 168,973 acres

Ubicación: 25 millas al N de Kernville, CA

Helicópteros: 12

Camiones cisterna: 14                                   

Contención: 75 %

Lesiones: 17

Estructuras destruidas: 228

Coches de bomberos: 23

Personal total: 744

Situación actual:

El Equipo 13 de Manejo de Incidentes de California realiza una transición con el Equipo Dorado del Área Este. El Equipo Dorado del Área Este asumirá el mando del incendio a las 6:00 p. m. esta tarde. Hoy, el Equipo Dorado del Área Este está realizando una observación del Equipo 13 para garantizar una transición de mando sin inconvenientes. Se continuará utilizando la estrategia de extinción completa para el incendio.

A medida que aumenta la contención del incendio, aún se espera que se vean emisiones de humo dentro del perímetro del incendio. El clima seco y cálido combinado con la vegetación viva o muerta inusualmente seca genera un entorno perfecto para que el incendio se reavive. Esto ocurre habitualmente con los grandes incendios y las cuadrillas de bomberos saben que el humo puede ser visible desde dentro del perímetro del incendio.

Los incendios de Castle y Shotgun causados por rayos se descubrieron el 19 de agosto de 2020 y luego se manejaron como un incidente llamado Complejo SQF. El incendio de Castle se expandió en algunas partes del Sequoia National Forest y el Giant Sequoia National Monument (129,000 acres), Inyo National Forest (12,290 acres), Sequoia National Park y Kings Canyon National Park (16,289 acres), tierras administradas por la Oficina de Administración de Tierras (728 acres), el estado (4037 acres), el condado y tierras privadas y amenazó la reserva indígena de Tule River. El 6 de octubre de 2020, el incendio de Shotgun pudo controlarse completamente y mantenerse en 841 acres.

Evacuaciones

Puede encontrar información sobre evacuación del condado de Tulare y sobre el propietario impactado por el fuego en Castle en tularecounty.ca.gov/Recovers/ o en la página de Facebook Tulare County Recovers – SQF Complex.

La línea directa del Centro de Asistencia Local (Local Assistance Center, LAC) del condado de Tulare para los ciudadanos afectados es 559-802-9790. Se abrirá un LAC satélite en Camp Nelson los martes y jueves de 10:00 a. m. a 4:00 p. m.

El condado de Tulare ha sido agregado de forma oficial a la declaración por desastre mayor federal para los incendios en California, y ofrece programas y recursos de asistencia individual a quienes se vieron impactados por el incendio del Complejo SQF. Para obtener más información, visite: https://tularecounty.ca.gov/county/

Southern California Edison (SCE) está trabajando para restaurar la energía de manera segura lo más rápido posible. Llame al 1 800 250-7339 o consulte en www.sce.com/safety/assistance-center.

Información sobre cierres

Sequoia National Forest: www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd825787.pdf

Inyo National Forest: www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd796836.pdf

Sequoia National Park y Kings Canyon National Park: https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

La Oficina de Administración de Tierras de Bakersfield ha emitido un cierre de emergencia temporal. www.blm.gov/press-release/bureau-land-management-temporarily-closes-case-mountain-recreation-area#:~:text=BAKERSFIELD%2C%20Calif.,Complex%20Fire%20(SQF%20Complex).

Mountain Home Demonstration State Forest: https://www.fire.ca.gov/programs/resource-management/resource-protection-improvement/demonstration-state-forests/mountain-home/

Organizaciones de colaboración y asistencia: Southern California Edison, Bomberos del Condado de Tulare, Sheriff del Condado de Tulare, Oficina de Servicios de Emergencia (Office of Emergency Services, OES) del Condado de Tulare, Carreteras del Condado de Tulare, Patrulla de Caminos de California, Departamento Correccional y de Rehabilitación de California, Cuerpo de Conservación de California, Oficina de Servicios de Emergencia de California, AT&T, Verizon, Departamento de Transporte de California, Guardia Nacional Aérea de California y Guardia Nacional de California. CONAFOR, México.

Humo: La calidad actual del aire se puede encontrar en https://fire.airnow.gov/ .

Alerta: Para recibir notificaciones de emergencia sobre evacuaciones y eventos críticos, regístrese en alerttc.com

Mensaje de seguridad: Prepárese ante posibles incendios con anticipación; visite www.ready.gov/wildfires.

Incident Information:

Start / Report Date: 8/19/20 

Cause: Lightning

Resources:

Hand Crews: 18

Dozers: 6

Size: 167,913 acres        

Location: 25 miles N of Kernville, CA

Helicopters: 13

  Water Tenders: 17                           

Containment: 70 % 

Injuries: 17

Structures Destroyed: 228

Engines: 27

Total Personnel: 8

Current Situation:  Four Hotshot crews are working in the Hockett and Cahoon Cabin areas. Hotshot crews, (Interagency Hotshot Crews or IHC), first established in the 1940’s, are highly-skilled hand crews trained for all phases of fire management and incident operations.  IHCs are staffed, conditioned, equipped and qualified to meet a variety of strategic and tactical wildland fire assignments. 

Today will be warmer with less humidity and light wind in the afternoon.  A cooling trend starts Saturday.  There is no rain in the forecast.  Increased fire behavior and a chance of spot fires are likely today.  Structure defense protection efforts have been completed on all identified historic cabins. 

Please see today’s operational video at https://www.facebook.com/SequoiaNF/posts/1411560362379194

A Forest Closure Order remains in place for most of the Western Divide Ranger District (WDRD) and small portion of the Kern River Ranger District in the Sequoia National Forest. Just south of the closure area, the public can visit the Trail of 100 Giants, along the Kern River south of Johnsondale Bridge, and a portion of the Sherman Pass Road between Mtn. Road 99 and Cherry Hill Road (22S12). The WDRD remains closed along the Forest boundary to the west. Also closed to the north is the Forest area that surrounds Balch Park and Mountain Home State Demonstration Forest, and the Golden Trout Wilderness. 

Forest Closure Order and map https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd825787.pdf

The Inyo National Forest has rescinded Forest Closure 05-04-51-20-17, This opens the Monache Meadows area. Please see closure order for continued restrictions and closures.

Southern California Edison (SCE) is working to safely restore power as quickly as possible. Over 300 customers remain without power today. SCE has restored power to most of the Camp Nelson area and installed a generator to provide power to the Ponderosa area.

Sequoia Crest, Alpine Village and Cedar Slope will continue to be out for several weeks, given the extensive damage to SCE facilities there. SCE estimates that they will need to replace more than 500 poles and more

than 22 miles of wires across the entire Castle (SQF Complex) fire area. All of the new poles and wires will be     fire resistant.

If your home has been lost or damaged, SCE is there to help. To fill out SCE’s disaster support form or for the latest updates on power restoration in your area please visit https://www.sce.com/safety/assistance-center or call 1-800-250-7339. Please note that SCE does not collect reestablishment deposits from residential customers.

Closures:  A Forest Closure Order remains in place for most of the Western Divide Ranger District (WDRD) and small portion of the Kern River Ranger District in the Sequoia National Forest. Just south of the closure area, the public can visit the Trail of 100 Giants, along Kern River south of Johnsondale Bridge, and a portion of the Sherman Pass Road between Mtn. Road 99 and Cherry Hill Road (22S12). The WDRD remains closed along the Forest boundary to the west. Also closed to the north is the Forest area that surrounds Balch Park and Mountain Home State Demonstration Forest, and the Golden Trout Wilderness. 

Forest Closure Order and map https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd825787.pdf

Forest Service Regional Emergency Fire restrictions have been extended through October 22. Propane and gas stove use are permitted in developed recreation sites in National Forests in California. Developed recreation sites are defined as areas that have been improved or developed for recreation such as campgrounds and day use sites. No campfires, including camp stoves or charcoal barbecues are allowed.

Road closures and/or temporary control points include Balch Park Road at the entrance to Mtn Home State Forest, Bear Creek Road at the entrance to Mtn. Home Demonstration State Forest, Hwy 190 at Rio Vista Dr., Redwood Dr. at Hwy 190, Nelson Dr. at Skyline, M107 at Fox Rd. 

The Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Office has issued a temporary emergency closure.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park are open except for a portion of the wilderness in Sequoia National Park. For more information please visit https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/trailcond.htm

Mountain Home Demonstration State Forest is closed until further notice Please see attached news release from Cal Fire.  Balch Park is also closed https://tularecountyparks.org/parks-hours-fees/.

Evacuations: Information and resources for property owners in communities affected by the Castle Fire can be found online https://tularecounty.ca.gov/Recovers/  or on the Tulare County Recovers – SQF Complex Facebook page.

A Mandatory evacuation order remains in effect for South Fork Drive, west of Salt Creek Fire Control Road near Three Rivers.  The following communities and areas are under an evacuation warning and open to residents only: Camp Nelson, Pier Point, Cedar Slope, Alpine Village, Sequoia Crest, areas of Redwood Drive, Ponderosa, Mountain Aire, Rodgers Camp, Coy Flat, Doyle Springs, areas along Lloyd Meadow Road, Balch Park Road from Battle Mountain Monument to the entrance of Mtn. Home Demonstration State Forest, Bear Creek Road from the Rancheria Fire Control Road to the entrance of Mtn. Home Demonstration State Forest, Silver City and Mineral King, and South Fork Drive, east of Salt Creek Fire Control Road

As residents return to the opened areas, it is extremely important that they remain clear of all Forest closure areas. Activities, such as recreating, wood gathering, and hunting are not allowed within the closure area.

South Fork Drive needs to remain available for fire crews and heavy equipment access from Highway 198 to Cinnamon Canyon Road. Please drive with caution. Sheriff deputies patrol the evacuation areas regularly.

For more information visit: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/post-wildfire/returning-home/ 

The Tulare County Local Assistance Center (LAC) Hotline for affected citizens is 559-802-9790.  A satellite LAC is open in Camp Nelson on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team has been established by the Forest Service and assigned the task of assessing the burned areas for the SQF Complex. The team will be coordinating with the Sequoia National Forest as well as the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Weather Service, US Geological Survey, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Tulare County and other federal, tribal, state and local agencies as they assess potential post-fire impacts to the burned watersheds.

For information on SQF Complex BAER team activities https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7240/

Smoke: Current air quality may be found at https://fire.airnow.gov/ .

Castle (SQF Complex) Fire customer update

We appreciate your patience as we respond simultaneously to two of the most devastating fires in California history; the Creek fire and the Castle (SQF Complex) fire.   We are working to safely restore your power as quickly as possible. 

Today, 382 customers remain without power.  We have restored power to most of the Camp Nelson area and installed a generator to provide power to the Ponderosa area. Our goal is to have power restored to Mountain Home and Balch Park by Friday, October 16th, dependent on our ability to work safely given air quality challenges. 

However Sequoia Crest, Alpine Village and Cedar Slope will continue to be out for several weeks, given the extensive damage to SCE facilities there. We estimate that we will need to replace more than 500 poles and more than 22 miles of wires across the entire Castle (SQF Complex) fire area. All of the new poles and wires will be fire resistant. 
 

We have brought in crews from around the country to help us complete our work, however poor air quality from the ongoing fires has reduced our crews’ ability to be out in the field over the past few weeks.  We are forecasting better air quality in the next few weeks, which will allow us to pick up our pace of restoration. 
 

If your home has been lost or damaged, we are here to help. Please let us know so that we can assist you. To fill out our disaster support form or for the latest updates on power restoration in your area please visit https://www.sce.com/safety/assistance-center or call 1-800-250-7339. Please note that SCE does not collect reestablishment deposits from residential customers.

Incident Information:

Start / Report Date: 8/19/20 

Cause: Lightning

Resources:

Hand Crews: 17

Dozers: 6

Size: 167,766 acres        

Location: 25 miles N of Kernville, CA

Helicopters: 13

  Water Tenders: 21                           

Containment: 70 % 

Injuries: 17

Structures Destroyed: 228

Engines: 28

Total Personnel: 790

Current Situation:

Today and tomorrow will be warmer with less humidity and light wind in the afternoon.  A cooling trend starts Saturday.  There is no rain in the forecast.  Increased fire behavior and chance of spot fires are likely today.

Work in the South Fork area to the Hockett Ranger Station is going well and continues with aircraft and the insertion of two additional crews.  Air operations will continue in the Devils Canyon area in the next several days as smoke conditions allow.  Four elite hotshot crews will be working in the Hockett and Cahoon Cabin areas.   Tactical firing will continue as necessary and safe to do so to secure South Fork Rd. to Devils Canyon.

A Forest Closure Order is in place for a portion of the Sequoia National Forest.  The Trail of 100 Giants is now open.  In and around the fire area, hazards continue to be identified that pose a threat to public safety.  The roads and trail systems within the burn area are narrow and hazardous. Additionally, there are numerous natural hazards created by the fire, such as tree snags and root holes created by roots burning beneath the surface of the soil, etc.  Roads are being used for the transport of heavy equipment, such as dozers and other suppression equipment.  Fire suppression and repair activities make the area unsafe and dangerous for the public.  Once work is complete, additional areas may reopen to the public.  For specific road closure information see https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd825799.pdf

A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team has been established by the Forest Service and assigned the task of assessing the burned areas for the SQF Complex. The team will be coordinating with the Sequoia National Forest as well as the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Weather Service, US Geological Survey, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Tulare County and other federal, tribal, state and local agencies as they assess potential post-fire impacts to the burned watersheds.

Structure defensive protection work has been completed on the Ming and Kern Cabins.  Preparation continues on the Quinn Cabin and work will begin on the Fisherman cabin.

The Sequoia National Forest landscape is as spectacular as its trees.  Elevations range from 1,000 feet in the foothill region to peaks over 12,000 feet in the rugged high country, providing visitors with some of the most spectacular views of mountainous landscape in the entire west.  Soaring granite monoliths, glacier-carved canyons, roaring whitewater, and more await your discovery at the Sierra Nevada's southern end.

Tulare County Sheriff’s Office downgraded their evacuation orders on October 13-14.  As residents return to the opened areas, it is extremely important that they remain clear of all closure areas. Activities, such as wood gathering, and hunting are not allowed within the forest closure area. For more information visit:

https://www.readyforwildfire.org/post-wildfire/returning-home/  South Fork Drive needs to remain available for fire crews and heavy equipment access from Highway 198 to Cinnamon Canyon Road. Please drive with caution.  Sheriff deputies patrol the evacuation areas regularly.

Mandatory evacuations remain for Mountain Home Demonstration State Forest, Balch Park Campground, and South Fork Drive (west of Salt Creek Fire Control Road). 

The following communities and areas are under an evacuation warning and open to residents only:  Camp Nelson, Pier Point, Ponderosa, Mountain Aire, Rodgers Camp, Coy Flat, Doyle Springs, Balch Park Road from Battle Mountain Monument to the entrance of Mtn. Home Demonstration State Forest, Bear Creek Road from the Rancheria Fire Control Road to the entrance of Mtn. Home Demonstration State Forest, Silver City and Mineral King, Alpine Village, Sequoia Crest, areas of Redwood Drive, and South Fork Drive, east of Salt Creek Fire Control Road

Road closures and/or temporary control points include Balch Park Road at the entrance to Mtn Home State Forest, Bear Creek Road at the entrance to Mtn. Home Demonstration State Forest, Hwy 190 at Rio Vista Dr., Redwood Dr. at Hwy 190, Nelson Dr. at Skyline, M107 at Fox Rd.  Refer to the Forest Closure Order for portions of the Sequoia National Forest that remain closed. For more information visit: https://tularecounty.ca.gov/recovers/

Tulare County has a Local Assistance Center (LAC) at the Government Plaza, 1055 West Henderson Avenue, Porterville, CA. Hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Saturday and Sunday. Call 559-802-9790.  A satellite LAC is open in Camp Nelson on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Evacuations:

• Evacuation Orders, Map and Warnings  for Tulare County.  
• Tulare County has a structure assessment form for evacuees affected by the fire to provide contact information for County officials as the damage assessment continues. An interactive map showing damaged structures is available.
• Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency hotline for affected citizens – (559) 802-9790
• The Red Cross has evacuation centers at Porterville Community College and the North Exeter Community Building. Also, call the Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Closures:

• Sequoia National Forest closure of area north of Tulare/Kern county line:  Forest Order 0513-20-36 SQF Western Divide and Kern River Ranger Districts Complex Fire Area, Trail, and Road Closure  https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sequoia/alerts-notices   
• Regional Emergency Fire Restrictions are in place:  Regional Order No. 20-21 https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd821778.pdf
• The Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Office has issued a temporary emergency closure.
• Road closures due to the SQF Complex may be found by clicking here.
• The Temporary Flight Restriction (9/19/20) may be found here. Drones are prohibited.
• Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park are open except for a large portion of the wilderness in Sequoia National Park due to wildfire. For more information please visit www.nps.gov/seki 

Smoke: Current air quality may be found at https://fire.airnow.gov/

Alert: To receive emergency notifications regarding evacuations and critical events sign up at alerttc.com  

Forest revises Sequoia (SQF) Complex Closure Order, opening additional recreation opportunities in the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument 

On October 14, 2020, the Sequoia National Forest opened additional recreational opportunities for the public originally closed due to the Sequoia (SQF) Complex fires.

Visitors may now access the Trail of 100 Giants. The roads are open from California Hot Springs to the intersection of Western Divide (M107) with Last Chance Road (Forest Road No. 22S02). From there, a visitor can travel down Last Chance Road to the Lloyd Meadow Road (Forest Road No. 22S82) then south to reach Johnsondale. Areas west to the forest boundary and north of this route are closed, while areas south are open.

The public can also travel from the intersection of Mountain Road 99 up Sherman Pass Road (Forest Road No. 22S05) to its intersection with Cherry Hill Road (Forest Road No. 22S12), where the Sherman Pass Road is closed going northeast. The forest area north of that route is closed, while the area south is open to the public.

Sherman Pass Road remains closed from its intersection with Cherry Hill Road to just south of Blackrock, where it intersects with Forest Road No. 21S02. From there, the closure boundary heads north along Forest Road No. 21S02 to tie in with the Forest boundary at Osa Meadows. All areas west of this route are closed. East of this route is open to the public.

Fire equipment continues to travel routes that are closed, extinguishing hot spots, removing hazards, and working on suppression repair. Once work is complete, additional areas will reopen to the public.

Woodcutting – With a valid woodcutting permit, firewood may be cut in the Hume Lake Ranger District and south of the Sherman Pass Road in the Kern River Ranger District. No woodcutting is allowed in the closure area.

While popular activities such as hunting, hiking, boating, and other types of general recreation are now allowed outside of the closure area, several prohibitions are still in place.

Responsible recreation practices should be maintained at all times, including:

· Maintaining at least six feet distancing from others

· Do not gather in groups and please follow the latest guidance from officials

· Communicate with others as you pass. Alert trail users of your presence and step aside to let others pass

· Pack out your trash and leave with everything you bring in and use.

· All services may not be available, so please plan accordingly.

Please call your local Ranger Station Monday – Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm or email SM.FS.SequoiaNF@usda.gov for current information.

Kern River Ranger District 760-549-9533

Western Divide Ranger District 559-920-0460

Hume Lake Ranger District 559-791-5758

Supervisor’s Office 559-920-1588

Stay informed, follow our webpage at www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia, Facebook at #SequoiaNF, Twitter at @sequoiaforest or SequoiaNF OnCell app.

County of Tulare

 
For Immediate Release October 13, 2020 Tulare County Downgrading areas under Evacuation Orders

VISALIA, CA –Sheriff Boudreaux has downgraded the following area from Evacuation Order to an Evacuation Warning, effective at 3:00 pm on October 13, 2020

-Cedar Slope (for residents only)

-East of the Sequoia National Forest Boundary to the Mt. Home Demonstration State Forest Boundary, and north of Hwy 190. This includes residential properties both on Balch Park Road and Bear Creek up to the Mt. Home Demonstration State Forest. (This does not include Mt. Home Demonstration State Forest or Balch Park camp ground)

A Voluntary Evacuation Warning means people living in the area are able to return to their homes, but should still be ready to evacuate should fire conditions change. Crews continue to work and travel in the area. Please do not travel into these communities as extra traffic can impact the ability for crews to quickly get in and out of the fire area. At this time, only residents are allowed to return. Please use caution when returning to these areas impacted by the SQF Complex fire.

All remaining Evacuation Orders and Evacuation Warnings remain in place.

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Incident Information:

Start / Report Date: 8/19/20 

Cause: Lightning

Resources:

Hand Crews: 18

Dozers: 9

Size: 167,479 acres        

Location: 25 miles N of Kernville, CA

Helicopters: 10

  Water Tenders: 24                           

Containment: 70 % 

Injuries: 17

Structures Destroyed: 228

Engines: 45

Total Personnel: 831

Current Situation:

A Virtual Community Meeting is being held today, October 13 at 4 p.m.  This meeting will be live streamed on the Sequoia National Forest Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SequoiaNF The video will also be available for viewing after the meeting on this page. Please send questions in advance to 2020.castle@firenet.gov.

The Mountain Home and South Fork area saw excellent progress yesterday. Squaw Creek remains a priority. Fixed and rotary wing aircraft were effective in slowing the fires spread around Homers Nose.  Air operations will continue as weather (smoke) conditions allow.  Ongoing operations continue to identify and mitigate potential hazards on access roads and provide structure defense as necessary on the South Fork Community. Tactical firing will continue as necessary and when safe to do so to secure South Fork Rd. to Devils Canyon.

This week warmer weather returns with light winds and decreasing humidity. Fire activity will likely increase due to the warming and drying trend. This trend will likely bring more active fire behavior especially in areas where dry fuels remain.

Structure defensive protection work progresses on Ming and Kern Cabins.  Crews continue mop-up work from existing firelines and evaluating lines of engagement in the area of Sheep Mountain to Homer’s Nose. Mop-up and patrol continue on the southern portion of the fire.

A spike camp, a secondary primitive camp site for a fire crews and supported by the main camp, was set up in the Slick Rock area near Three Rivers and near Cahoon Meadow at the Hockett Ranger Station. An additional spike camp was set up near the Kern cabin.   Establishing spike camps closer to the fire provides for better efficiency of time and resources. 

The communities of Sequoia Crest and Cedar Slope remain a high priority and are being evaluated for repopulation.  Crews and aircraft will continue to monitor these areas.

The Regional Emergency Fire Restrictions (Regional Order No. 20-21) remains in place and is extended to Oct. 15, 2020.

Tulare County Sheriff’s Office issued an evacuation order on October 6 for everything south of the intersection of the Cinnamon Canyon Road and South Fork Drive, including Cinnamon Canyon.  As residents return to the opened areas, it is extremely important that they remain clear of all closure areas. Activities, such as wood gathering, and hunting are not allowed within the forest closure. For more information visit: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/post-wildfire/returning-home/.   South Fork Drive needs to remain available for fire crews and heavy equipment access from Highway 198 to Cinnamon Canyon Road. Please drive with caution.

Mandatory evacuations continue for Alpine Village, Cedar Slope, Pyles Boys Camp, Redwood Drive and Sequoia Crest.  Voluntary evacuation warnings for Camp Nelson, Pier Point, Ponderosa, Doyle Springs, (all residents only), Blue Ridge Drive between Balch Park Road and the Gate at Grouse Valley, Bear Creek Road from Rancheria Fire Control Road to the address of 44853 Bear Creek Road, Mineral King, Silver City, Balch Park Road from the intersection of Blue Ridge Drive to Battle Mountain Monument. 

For more information visit: https://tularecounty.ca.gov/recovers/. 

Tulare County has a Local Assistance Center (LAC) at the Government Plaza, 1055 West Henderson Avenue, Porterville, CA. Hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Saturday and Sunday. A satellite LAC is open in Camp Nelson on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Evacuations:

• Evacuation Orders, Map and Warnings  for Tulare County.  
• Tulare County has a structure assessment form for evacuees affected by the fire to provide contact information for County officials as the damage assessment continues. An interactive map showing damaged structures is available.
• Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency hotline for affected citizens – (559) 802-9790
• The Red Cross has evacuation centers at Porterville Community College and the North Exeter Community Building. Also, call the Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Closures:

• Sequoia National Forest closure of area north of Tulare/Kern county line:  Forest Order 0513-20-34 SQF Western Divide and Kern River Ranger Districts Complex Fire Area, Trail, and Road Closure
• Regional Emergency Fire Restrictions are in place:  Regional Order No. 20-21 https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd821778.pdf
• The Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Office has issued a temporary emergency closure.
• Road closures due to the SQF Complex may be found by clicking here.
• The Temporary Flight Restriction (9/19/20) may be found here. Drones are prohibited.
• Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park are open except for a large portion of the wilderness in Sequoia National Park due to wildfire. For more information please visit www.nps.gov/seki 

Smoke: Current air quality may be found at https://fire.airnow.gov/

Alert: To receive emergency notifications regarding evacuations and critical events sign up at alerttc.com  

Cooperating and Assisting Organizations: Southern California Edison, Tulare County Fire, Tulare County Sheriff, Tulare County OES, Tulare County Roads, California Highway Patrol, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Conservation Corps, California Office of Emergency Services, AT&T, Verizon, California Department of Transportation, California Air National Guard, and California National Guard. CONAFOR, Mexico.

Safety Message: Prepare for the possibility of fire in advance, visit www.ready.gov/wildfires.

Virtual Community Meeting today, October 13 at 4 p.m.  This meeting will be live-streamed on the Sequoia National Forest Facebook page. The video will also be available for viewing after the meeting on this page. Please send questions to 2020.castle@firenet.gov.