Current Situation:

The fire was active last night in the area of Mountain Home, southwest of Dennison Mountain. Firefighters engaged the fire directly and will be mopping the area up today. The fire was also active in the area of South Fork Campground where it has crossed the South Fork of the Kaweah River and is burning toward Homers Nose in heavy dead and downed fuels.

The Shotgun Fire has been fully contained.

Today, as weather changes, the air over the fire is expected to clear. This will allow aircraft to fly over the area to get a good look at the current position of the fire. The clearing skies will also bring more active fire behavior.

Over the last several days a high pressure system has held a thick layer of smoke over the fire. This has been compared to having a lid over a pot on a stove. Once removed, the heat will rise and oxygen will feed the fire. This is the fire's highest strategic priority and personnel and aircraft will be focused on the area throughout the coming days.

A primary control line is being constructed in the South Fork of the Kaweah River that will tie into the fire's edge near South Fork Campground. Additionally, crews and dozers are building contingency line along Case Mountain.

Firefighters will also be focused on removing several large hazard trees in the area of Sequoia Crest. Special equipment and personnel have been brought in to address this issue. There are many hazardous trees throughout the fire area. Smoke from the trees and islands of unburned vegetation will be seen in the area for some time. Pockets of heat near the line will be extinguished as they are located by the firefighters. Other heat that does not pose a threat to the line may be allowed to burn out as crews focus on higher priorities.

Tulare County has opened 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 on Saturday and Sunday. A satellite LAC is open in Camp Nelson on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 am - 4 pm.

Camp Nelson, Pierpoint, Ponderosa, Coy Flat, and Doyle Springs are under an Evacuation Warning. For more information visit: https://tularecounty.ca.gov/recovers/.

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

These areas will reopen as soon as it is reasonably safe to do so. For more information visit: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/post-wildfire/returning-home/.

Temperatures are expected to drop over the next 3-5 days when the high-pressure system in the area begins to weaken. Temperatures are expected to be 10 degrees below normal. Despite the cooling temperatures, it is expected to remain dry with very low humidity levels. Moisture in both dead and live vegetation is at record low levels.

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. 20-18

• 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 over the fire area 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: Residents in the affected areas are encouraged to continue to prepare for the possibility of fire in their area in advance. Go to www.ready.gov/wildfires to learn how to prepare.

Situación actual:

El incendio permanece activo en el extremo noroeste, las cuadrillas están trabajando en la construcción y mejora de las líneas de contención para el control del perímetro en el borde norte del incendio. La parte del incendio que cruzó la bifurcación sur del río Kaweah está retrocediendo, lo que significa que avanza lentamente colina abajo, quemando combustibles ligeros. Por el momento, está contenido por ríos, arroyos y senderos. Los equipos de bomberos trabajarán para terminar una línea de contingencia utilizando excavadoras, desde la bifurcación sur del río Kaweah hasta la carretera Mineral King para crear una protección adicional para la comunidad de Three Rivers.

Ayer, parte del humo se disipó por la tarde, lo que permitió el uso de apoyo aéreo. No se espera que el incendio avance en las áreas sur y este de la línea del perímetro. Los equipos de bomberos en Troy Meadows Camp se han unido a los equipos de bomberos en Camp Whitsett, se espera que lleguen al Puesto de Comando de Incidentes en Porterville mañana. Estos recursos serán enviados al noroeste, donde el fuego se mantiene más activo.

El condado de Tulare abrirá un Centro de Asistencia Local (Local Assistance Center, LAC) en Government Plaza (1055 West Henderson Avenue, Porterville, CA). Se abrirá un LAC satélite en Camp Nelson. El horario de atención será de 8:00 a. m. a 5:00 p. m., de lunes a viernes, y de 9:00 a. m. a 3:00 p. m. en sábado y domingo.

El 2 de octubre de 2020, los residentes regresaron a sus propiedades en Camp Nelson, Pierpoint, Ponderosa, Coy Flat y Doyle Springs. Para obtener más información, visite https://tularecounty.ca.gov/recovers/.

A medida que los resistentes retornen a las áreas abiertas, es sumamente importante que sigan manteniéndose lejos de las áreas cerradas. Estas áreas volverán a abrir tan pronto como sea razonablemente seguro hacerlo. Para obtener más información, visite: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/post-wildfire/returning-home/.

Si los propietarios notan árboles peligrosos en sus terrenos, que podrían estar en riesgo de caerse, es responsabilidad del propietario ocuparse del tema. Los equipos de bomberos solo están trabajando en árboles peligrosos que representan una amenaza para las carreteras, las áreas públicas o una amenaza activa de incendio.

Se espera que las temperaturas bajen durante los próximos 3 a 5 días, cuando el sistema de alta presión en el área comience a debilitarse. A pesar de las temperaturas en descenso, se espera que permanezca seco con niveles de humedad muy bajos. Dada esta humedad baja, toda la vegetación es muy susceptible al fuego. Se espera un cambio más significativo en el clima a finales de esta semana y puede traer vientos más fuertes al área, lo que puede aumentar la actividad de los incendios.

Evacuaciones:

• Órdenes de evacuación, mapa y advertencias para el condado de Tulare.

• El condado de Tulare cuenta con un formulario de evaluación de estructuras para que los evacuados afectados por el incendio proporcionen información de contacto a los funcionarios del condado mientras continúa la evaluación de daños.

• Un mapa interactivo que muestra las estructuras dañadas está ahora disponible.

• Línea directa de la Agencia de Salud y Servicios Humanos del condado de Tulare para ciudadanos afectados – (559) 802-9790

• La Cruz Roja tiene centros de evacuación en Porterville Community College y en North Exeter Community Building. También puede llamar a la Cruz Roja al 1-800-RED-CROSS.

Cierres:

• Sequoia National Forest está cerrado al norte de la línea del condado de Tulare/Kern: Orden forestal 0513- 20-34 Cierre del área de incendio, senderos y caminos de los distritos de guardabosques de Western Divide y Kern River del complejo SQF

• Existen restricciones regionales de emergencia contra incendios: Orden Regional núm. 20-18

• La Oficina de Administración de Tierras de Bakersfield ha emitido un cierre de emergencia temporal.

• Consulte los cierres de carreteras debido al Complejo SQF haciendo clic aquí.

• Consulte la restricción temporal de vuelos (9/19/20) aquí. Los drones sobre el área del fuego están prohibidos.

• Los Parques Nacionales Sequoia y Kings Canyon están abiertos a excepción de una gran parte de la naturaleza en el Parque Nacional Sequoia debido a los incendios forestales. Para mayor información por favor visite www.nps.gov/seki

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.

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.

Mensaje de seguridad: Se recomienda a los residentes en las áreas afectadas que continúen con los preparativos anticipados ante un posible incendio en su área. Visite www.ready.gov/wildfires para obtener información acerca de cómo prepararse.

Actualizado: 2020-10-05 09:53 PDT

Incéndio

El tamaño actual del fuego es de 158,058 acres, creció 1,623 acres, y está contenido en un 65%. Continúan las altas temperaturas y las condiciones excepcionalmente secas sobre el área de pronóstico. Se espera que el comportamiento del fuego sea mínimo en los lados este, sur y oeste. Las partes del fuego no contenidas en el lado norte continúan ardiendo activamente. Bolsillos interiores de combustible continúan ardiendo dentro del perímetro.

Humo

Similar al día de ayer, con pocos vientos de transporte, el humo tiene la posibilidad de persistir en las comunidades cercanas al fuego. El área de pronóstico también podría ser impactada por el humo de la región. Las comunidades cerca del drenaje del rio Kern continua viendo una pobre calidad de aire. El impacto de humo dependerá grandemente de la actividad de fuego.

Más

Este pronóstico de humo muestra el impacto de 24 horas de partículas en la calidad de aire. La calidad de aire puede cambiar repentinamente. Si comienza a notar efectos del humo en su salud, se le recomienda que vea los enlaces mas abajo.

Current Situation: 

The fire remains active on the northwest corner, crews are working on building and improving containment lines for perimeter control across the north end of the fire. The portion of the fire that has crossed the South Fork of the Kaweah River is backing, meaning slowing moving down a hill and is burning in light fuels. It is currently being held by rivers, creeks, and trails. Fire crews will work on finishing a contingency line using bulldozers, from the South Fork of the Kaweah River to Mineral King Road to create an added protection for the community of Three Rivers. 

Yesterday, some of the smoke cleared up in the afternoon allowing the use of aviation support. Fire progression is not expected in south and eastern areas of the perimeter line. Fire crews at the Troy Meadows camp have joined the fire crews at Camp Whitsett, they are expected to arrive at the Incident Command Post at Porterville tomorrow. These resources will then be sent to the northwest where the fire remains most active. 

Tulare County will open a Local Assistance Center (LAC) at the Government Plaza (1055 West Henderson Avenue, Porterville, CA). A satellite LAC will open in Camp Nelson. The hours will be from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday and 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. 

On October 2, 2020 residents returned to their properties at Camp Nelson, Pierpoint, Ponderosa, Coy Flat, and Doyle Springs. For more information visit: https://tularecounty.ca.gov/recovers/. 

As residents return to the areas that have been opened, it is extremely important that they continue remain clear of all closure areas. These areas will reopen as soon as it is reasonably safe to do so. For more information visit: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/post-wildfire/returning-home/. 

If property owners notice hazardous trees on their land that is in risk of falling, it is the property owner’s responsibility to take care of it. Fire crews are only working on hazardous trees that pose a threat to roadways, public areas, or is an active fire threat. 

Temperatures are expected to drop over the next 3-5 days when the high-pressure system in the area begins to weaken. Despite the cooling temperatures, it is expected to remain dry with very low humidity levels. With such low humidity, all vegetation is highly susceptible to fire. A more significant change in the weather is expected later this week and may bring stronger winds to the area which may bring the potential to increase fire activity. 

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. 20-18 
• 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 over the fire area 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: Residents in the affected areas are encouraged to continue to prepare for the possibility of fire in their area in advance. Go to [www.ready.gov/wildfires]www.ready.gov/wildfires to learn how to prepare.

Issued at: 2020-10-05 08:22 PDT

Fire

Current fire size is 158,058 acres with a growth of 1,623 acres containment is 65%. Continued high temperatures and exceptionally dry conditions prevail over the forecast area. The fire behavior on the East, South and West sides are expected to be minimal. The uncontained fire's edge to the North continues to burn actively. Interior pockets of fuel continue to burn throughout the perimeter.

Smoke

Similar to yesterday, with minimal transport winds, smoke has the potential to linger in communities that are in close proximity to the fire. Regional smoke may also be contributing to smoke impacts in the forecast area. Communities near the Kern River continue to see degraded air quality. Smoke impacts will be heavily dependent on fire activity.

Special Notes

Smoke Outlook reflects 24 hour particulate matter impacts on air quality. Air quality may change unexpectedly.

When additional support is needed in the managing of large wildfires or other major events, incident management teams can be quickly deployed anywhere in the country.  A fire camp, such as the one at Whitsett Boy Scout Camp near Kernville, California, can spring up overnight to accommodate hundreds of firefighters.

Many people may be surprised to learn everything that goes into housing the influx of firefighters and support staff on a complex incident. Everyone assigned to the fire is expected to arrive with their own tent, sleeping bag, Nomex clothing, and any of the other gear they will need while on their assignment. One of their first tasks after arriving in camp is to find a spot amongst the sea of tents for their shelter that will be “home” for the next 14 days.  All personnel assigned to fire duty work 14 days except in unusual circumstances.  The 14-day max rule is in place to ensure that no one becomes overly fatigued to the point where they might compromise their own or someone else’s safety.                      

When deployed to large incidents, fire fighters will have their basic essentials provided.  Showers, for example, are brought in on tractor-trailer rigs so crews and support personnel have access to a hot shower at the end of their shift even if the camp is in a remote location. 

In addition, catering services provide food and lots of it. Firefighters working 16-hour days and often engaging in strenuous manual labor require a lot of calories. Two hot meals – breakfast and dinner – are served up each day and a hearty bag lunch is provided when fire fighters hit the line.  Often the local community wants to pitch in and provide food and snacks to show their appreciation.  While the gesture is deeply appreciated, it’s really not necessary. Fire camps are entirely self-sufficient.  What we recommend instead is to support your local first responders and food banks.  They will be there providing valuable community services long after we have departed.       

The COVID-19 pandemic has created new challenges for all agencies responding to incidents and has added a new dimension to the usual safety protocols.  The number one priority on any incident is the safety of the public and fire personnel.  In addition to following all CDC guidelines, additional measures, such as additional disinfecting above the recommended guidelines, a requirement that all tents be spaced six feet apart, etc. have been implemented. 

Beyond these basic needs, however, sophisticated technology and equipment are employed in the effort to quickly and successfully suppress a wildfire.  A supply tent provides any item a firefighter might need.  If it is not in stock, it is quickly ordered.  In addition, Wi-Fi, computers, printers, and other modern essential equipment are readily available.

Most firefighters work on numerous wildfires over the course of a season and many have been in the fire service for years. Consequently, it is easy find a friendly face in camps across the country.  A true sense of family quickly develops and the bonds of friendship can last a lifetime.

Situación actual:

En general, las actividades para suprimir el fuego tuvieron buenos resultados el día de ayer. La línea en South Fork está resistiendo. Se ha retirado la envoltura de protección estructural de las cabañas en Black Rock y se están transportando los materiales de vuelta. Durante la noche, hubo un incendio localizado de aproximadamente 100 acres en la Reserva Tule. Las cuadrillas lograron suprimirlo y ha cesado el avance en esta área.

• Órdenes de evacuación, mapa y advertencias para el condado de Tulare.

• El condado de Tulare cuenta con un formulario de evaluación de estructuras para que los evacuados afectados por el incendio proporcionen información de contacto a los funcionarios del condado mientras continúa la evaluación de daños.

• Un mapa interactivo que muestra las estructuras dañadas está ahora disponible.

• Línea directa de la Agencia de Salud y Servicios Humanos del condado de Tulare para ciudadanos afectados – (559) 802-9790

• La Cruz Roja tiene centros de evacuación en Porterville Community College y en North Exeter Community Building. También puede llamar a la Cruz Roja al 1-800-RED-CROSS.

• Sequoia National Forest está cerrado al norte de la línea del condado de Tulare/Kern: Orden forestal 0513-20-34 Cierre del área de incendio, senderos y caminos de los distritos de guardabosques de Western Divide y Kern River del complejo SQF

• Existen restricciones regionales de emergencia contra incendios: Orden Regional núm. 20-18

• La Oficina de Administración de Tierras de Bakersfield ha emitido un cierre de emergencia temporal.

• Consulte los cierres de carreteras debido al Complejo SQF haciendo clic aquí.

• Consulte la restricción temporal de vuelos (9/19/20) aquí. Los drones sobre el área del fuego están prohibidos.

• Los Parques Nacionales Sequoia y Kings Canyon están abiertos a excepción de una gran parte de la naturaleza en el Parque Nacional Sequoia debido a los incendios forestales. Para mayor información por favor visite www.nps.gov/seki

County of Tulare

For Immediate Release

October 4, 2020

VISALLA, CA – Sheriff Boudreaux has downgraded the Evacuation Order to an Evacuation Warning for parts of Bear Creek Road, near the community of Springville effective on October 4, 2020, at 1:00 p.m.

Areas downgraded to evacuation warning include:

• Parts of Bear Creek Road: from Rancheria Fire Control Road to the Residence at 44853 Bear Creek Road.

An 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, due to the SQF Complex fire activity.

People 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. At this time, only residents are permitted to return.

All remaining Evacuation Orders and Evacuation Warnings remain in place.

Issued at: 2020-10-04 08:28 PDT

Fire

Current fire size is 156,435 ac. with a growth of 1,452 ac containment is 65%. Continued high temperatures and exceptionally dry conditions with light winds flowing from the south. The fire behavior on the east, south and west sides are expected to be minimal. The uncontained fires edge to the north continues to burn actively. Interior pockets of fuel continue to burn throughout the perimeter.

Smoke

Similar to yesterday, with minimal transport winds, smoke has the potential to linger, communities to the north and west may also be impacted by Regional smoke and smoke continues south through the Kern River drainage.

Special Notes

Higher temperatures will remain above average and continue throughout the week. Air quality alerts have been issued for areas within this outlook.

Current Situation:

Overall, efforts to suppress the fire went well yesterday. The line at South Fork is holding. The cabins at Black Rock have had the structure protection wrap removed and the materials are being backhauled. Overnight, there was a spot fire of approximately 100 acres on the Tule Reservation. Crews were able to suppress it and forward progress in this area has ceased. 

• 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 NorthExeter Community Building. Also, call the Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS. 

• 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. 20-18 
• 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 over the fire area 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 

Safety Message: Residents in the affected areas are encouraged to continue to prepare for the possibility of fire in their area in advance. Go to www.ready.gov/wildfires to learn how to prepare.