Situación actual:

 

Ayer, las actividades para suprimir el fuego tuvieron buenos resultados. La línea de contención en el drenaje de Coy Flat y del río Kern ha sido asegurada y continuará el monitoreo de esta área. Se espera que el Equipo de 3 de CONAFOR que trabaja con la caravana de mulas termine de quitar la envoltura de protección de las estructuras de las cabañas del área de Beach Meadows y Casa Vieja.

 

A partir de las 3:00 p. m. del 2 de octubre de 2020, los residentes comenzaron a regresar a Camp Nelson, Pierpoint, Ponderosa, Coy Flat y Doyle Springs. Visite https://tularecounty.ca.gov/recovers/ para obtener más información sobre la recuperación. Cuando regrese a su propiedad después de un incendio forestal, asegúrese de hacer lo siguiente:

 

• Tenga precaución al volver a ingresar a un área quemada, ya que se pueden generar brotes.

• Revise el terreno en busca de puntos calientes, tocones y vegetación ardiendo sin llamas. Use sus baldes de agua.

• Revise los árboles altos en su propiedad para ver si hay señales de fuego activo o daño.

• Revise el techo y las áreas exteriores para ver si hay chispas y brasas. Dos secuoyas tienen fuego en la parte superior y continúan arrojando brasas alrededor de algunas estructuras.

• Revise el ático y toda la casa en busca de chispas y brasas ocultas y ardientes.

• Continúe verificando las áreas problemáticas durante varios días.

• Tenga mucho cuidado al conducir, y controle los vehículos, árboles peligrosos, el personal o equipamiento en las carreteras. Las cuadrillas de bomberos, las empresas de servicios públicos y muchos otros trabajadores entrarán y saldrán del área.

• Comuníquese con el 911 si percibe algún peligro.

 

Es sumamente importante que los residentes que retornan a áreas recién abiertas permanezcan alejados de las áreas cerradas. Estas áreas están cerradas debido a múltiples peligros. Las cuadrillas están trabajando para eliminar estos peligros y se abrirán las áreas en cuanto se establezca un grado de seguridad razonable.

 

La primera prioridad para las cuadrillas es construir y mejorar líneas de contención para el control perimetral en el frente norte del incendio. El fuego permanece activo en la zona noroeste del perímetro. El movimiento del fuego en la parte noreste del incendio ha cruzado la bifurcación sur (South Fork) del río Kaweah. Se calcula que hay unos 10 a 20 acres ardiendo con combustibles ligeros, pero hasta ahora han sido frenados por ríos, arroyos y senderos. El mayor crecimiento es a lo largo de los límites de Sequoia National Forest y Sequoia National Park, al este de Dennison Mountain.

 

La segunda prioridad es trabajar en las áreas entre Mountain Home y Camp Nelson para apoyar la repoblación de los propietarios de viviendas que han sido desplazados. CAL FIRE está trabajando en dos grupos principales: uno en Mountain Home y otro en South Fork. Continúan las actividades en los perímetros sur y este, donde ha comenzado la reparación de supresión de las líneas de fuego.

 

Las cuadrillas continuarán trabajando en la derribo de árboles peligrosos y árboles muertos que siguen de pie, mientras monitorean el área. Se prevé abundante humo debido a la quema interior, como consecuencia de grandes cantidades de materiales combustibles caídos que continúan ardiendo lentamente dentro del perímetro del incendio. Hay una gran isla verde, lo que significa un área no quemada, arriba de Camp Nelson. Las cuadrillas contra incendios han estado trabajando en esta área con helicópteros y este trabajo podría continuar hoy.

 

Las condiciones meteorológicas reflejan las de ayer, con vientos guiados principalmente por el terreno y de dirección variable. Se pronostica que habrá una humedad relativa más baja y las temperaturas cálidas diez grados por encima de lo normal en las áreas sin humo. El viento podría soplar el humo sobre la parte más activa del fuego, sombreando la vegetación. Esto moderará el comportamiento del fuego, pero dificultará el acceso al área con aeronaves.

 

Al comenzar el trabajo de octubre, los bomberos han estado en la línea desde julio. Con largas horas de trabajo y asignaciones de larga duración, muchos comienzan a sentir la fatiga de la batalla. Sin embargo, saben que la lucha en California y el oeste continuará. La dedicación de los bomberos es inquebrantable y, no obstante los múltiples retos que han enfrentado esta temporada, continuarán luchando contra los incendios forestales en el Oeste de los Estados Unidos y ayudando a las comunidades afectadas por ellos.

 

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. Además, puede llamar a la Cruz Roja al 1-800-RED-CROSS, o visitar https://tinyurl.com/yafetgkj

 

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, caminos y senderos 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: Departamento de Bomberos del Condado de Tulare, Departamento del Sheriff del Condado de Tulare, Patrulla de Caminos de California, Tribu del Río Tule, Departamento de Bomberos del Centro de Rehabilitación de California, Cuerpo de Conservación de California, Oficina de Servicios de Emergencia de California y Oficina de Administración de Tierras.

 

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 https://www.ready.gov/wildfires para obtener información acerca de cómo prepararse.

Issued at: 2020-10-03 08:33 PDT

 

Fire

Current fire size is 154,983 ac. with a growth of 1,717 ac containment is 60%. Continued high temperatures and exceptionally dry conditions with winds flowing from the south east. 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: Yesterday, efforts to suppress the fire went well. The containment line in the Coy Flat and Kern River drainage has been secured and they will continue to monitor this area. CONAFOR Team 3 working with the pack string is expected to finish removing structure protection wrap from the cabins in the Beach Meadows and Casa Vieja areas.  

Starting on October 2, 2020 at 3 pm, residents began returning to the Camp Nelson, Pierpoint, Ponderosa, Coy Flat, and Doyle Springs. Visit https://tularecounty.ca.gov/recovers/ for more information about recovery and when you return to your property after a wildfire be sure to:  

• Use caution when re-entering a burned area - flare ups can occur. 
• Check grounds for hot spots, smoldering stumps and vegetation. Use your buckets of water. 
• Check any tall trees on your property for signs of active fire or damage. 
• Check the roof and exterior areas for sparks and embers. Two Sequoias have fire in their tops and continue to drop embers around some structures. 
• Check the attic and throughout the house for hidden, burning sparks and embers. 
• Continue to check for problem areas for several days. 
• Use extreme caution while driving, keeping an eye out for any vehicles, hazard trees, personnel, or equipment on the roads. Fire crews, utility companies, and many other workers will be in and out of thearea. 
• Contact 911 if any danger is perceived. 

It is extremely important that residents returning to recently opened areas to remain clear of closure areas. These areas are closed due to multiple hazards. Crews are working to address these hazards and areas will be opened as a reasonable degree of safety is established. 
The first priority for fire crews is to build and improve containment lines for perimeter control across the north end of the fire. The fire remains active in the northwest area of the perimeter. Fire movement on the northwest portion of the fire has crossed the South Fork of the Kaweah River. There are an estimated 10-20 acres burning in light fuels but so far it is being held by rivers, creeks, and trails. The greatest amount of growth is along the Sequoia National Forest and Sequoia National Park boundaries, east of Dennison Mountain.
The second priority is working on the areas from Mountain Home to Camp Nelson to support the repopulation of displaced property owners. CAL FIRE is working in two main groups one in Mountain Home and one in South Fork. Efforts continue along the southern and eastern perimeters where suppression repair of firelines has begun. 
Crews will continue to work on falling hazardous trees and snags while monitoring the area. Large amounts of smoke from interior burning is expected, due to heavy downed fuels that continue to burn slowly inside the fire's perimeter. There's a large island of green, meaning an area that has not been burned above Camp Nelson, fire crews have been working on this area with helicopters and this work may continue today. 
The weather is mirroring what it was yesterday with, with winds primarily terrain driven and varying in direction. Lower relative humidity and warm temperatures are forecasted to be ten degrees above normal in areas without smoke. Wind may blow smoke over the most active portion over the fire, shading the vegetation. This will moderate fire behavior but will make it difficult to access the area with aircraft.  As we begin to work into October, firefighters have been on the line since July. With long hours and long assignments, many are starting to battle fatigue. However, they know the fight throughout California and the west will continue. The dedication of the firefighters is unwavering and despite the many challenges they have faced this season, they will continue to battle the wildfires across the Western US and help the communities affected by them.  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 isavailable. 
• Tulare County Health& Human ServicesAgency hotline for affectedcitizens - (559) 802-9790 
• The Red Crosshas evacuation centers atPorterville Community Collegeand the North Exeter Community Building. Also, call the Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS or https://tinyurl.com/yafetgkj 

 Closures: 

• Sequoia National Forest closure of area north of Tulare/Kern county line: Forest Order 0513-20-34 SQF Complex Fire Area, Road and Trail 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]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: Tulare County Fire Department, Tulare County Sheriff's Department, California Highway Patrol, Tule River Tribe, California Rehabilitation Center Fire Department, California Conservation Corps, California Office of Emergency Services, and Bureau of Land Management.  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 https://www.ready.gov/wildfires to learn how to prepare. 

County of Tulare

 

For Immediate Release

October 2, 2020

 

SHERIFF DOWNGRADES EVACUATION ORDERS FOR AREAS AFFECTED BY SQF COMPLEX FIRE

 

VISALLIA, CA – As of October 2nd, 2020, Sheriff Boudreaux has added Doyle Springs to the areas that will be downgraded from Mandatory Evacuation Orders to Voluntary Evacuation Warning at 3 p.m. today.

 

Areas Downgraded from Evacuation Orders to Voluntary Evacuation Warnings:

-Camp Nelson

-Pier Point

-Ponderosa

-Coy Flay

-Doyle Springs

 

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 Officer for people who use a post office box. At this time, only residents are permitted to return.

 

All other evacuation orders and warnings remain in place.

Current Situation:
Yesterday at 7:00 AM, California Interagency Incident Management Team 2 transitioned into command of the entire SQF Complex Fire.

Weather will be a factor in the fight today. Winds will be primarily terrain driven and vary in direction for the rest of the week. Lower relative humidity and temperatures are forecasted to be ten degrees above normal. The primary objective continues to be full perimeter control, and under a full suppression strategy.

Today, beginning at 3 PM, repopulation of the Camp Nelson, Pierpoint, and Ponderosa communities will begin. As you prepare to return to your property, make sure to have safety on your mind first and foremost. Check https://tularecounty.ca.gov/recovers/ to ensure it is safe to return. In addition to being safe, when you return to your property after a wildfire be sure to:

·       Use caution when re-entering a burned area - flare ups can occur.

·       Check grounds for hot spots, smoldering stumps and vegetation. Use your buckets of water.

·       Check any tall trees on your property for signs of active fire or damage.

·       Check the roof and exterior areas for sparks and embers.

·       Check the attic and throughout the house for hidden, burning sparks and embers.

·       Continue to check for problem areas for several days.

·       Contact 911 if any danger is perceived.

Further, use extreme caution while driving, keeping an eye out for any vehicles, hazard trees, personnel, or equipment on the roads. Fire crews, utility companies, and many other workers will be in and out of the area. Two Sequoias have fire in their tops and continue to drop embers around some structures.

Crews will focus on the area between Coy Flat and the Kern River drainage, securing existing fireline. The northwest areas of the fire are being monitored and worked with aircraft as weather permits. Mule trains are still working with CONAFOR Team 3 on removing the structure protection wrap from the cabins in the Beach Meadows and Casa Vieja areas. Crews will work on falling many hazard trees and snags that pose a threat to containment and human safety. Areas of containment will be monitored with hazards being identified and removed. This process will help repopulation efforts and lead into suppression repair, removing and identifying hazard trees and minimizing negative fire effects in the area. Large amounts of smoke from interior burning is expected, due to heavy downed fuels that continue to burn slowly inside the fire’s perimeter.

In addition, the fire remains active in the northwest area of the perimeter. The fire has backed down to, and spotted across the south fork of Kaweah Drainage, creating potential to make a slope-aligned run towards Homers Nose.

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 or https://tinyurl.com/yafetgkj

Closures:

• Sequoia National Forest is closed north of the Tulare/Kern county line: Forest Order 0513-20-34 SQF Complex Fire Area, Road and Trail 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.

• 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: Tulare County Fire Department, Tulare County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, Tule River Tribe, California Rehabilitation Center Fire Department, California Conservation Corps, California Office of Emergency Services, and Bureau of Land Management.

Safety Message: This will be a long duration event. Residents in the affected areas are encouraged to continue to prepare for the possibility of fire in their area in advance. Go to https://www.ready.gov/wildfires to learn how to prepare.

SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST GIANT SEQUOIA NATIONAL MONUMENT

WESTERN DIVIDE AND KERN RIVER RANGER DISTRICTS SQF COMPLEX FIRE AREA, ROADS, AND TRAILS CLOSURE

 

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. §§ 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the Western Divide Ranger District of the Sequoia National Forest. This Forest Order is effective from October 2, 2020, through November 30, 2020.

 

1.      Going into or being upon National Forest System lands within the SQF Complex Fire Closure Area, as described in Exhibit A and shown on Exhibit B. 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(e).

 

2.      Being on the National Forest System trails within the SQF Complex Fire Closure Area as shown on Exhibit B. 36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a).

 

3.      Being on the National Forest System roads within the SQF Complex Fire Closure Area as shown on Exhibit B. 36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).

 

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

 

1.      Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

 

2.      Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads , Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order.

 

3.      Owners or lessees of land, within the SQF Complex Fire Closure Area to the extent necessary to access their land.

 

4.      Residents, within SQF Complex Fire Closure Area to the extent necessary to access their residences .

 

 

A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.

16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.

 

Executed in Porterville, California, this 1st day of October, 2020.

 

 

 

 

 

TERESA BENSON

Forest Supervisor Sequoia National Forest

FOREST NO. 0513-20-34

SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST

WESTERN DIVIDE AND KERN RIVER RANGER DISTRICTS SQF COMPLEX FIRE AREA, TRAIL AND ROAD CLOSURE EXHIBIT A

 

The boundary of the SQF Complex Fire Closure Area begins in the northwest corner of Section 4, Township 19 South, Range 29 East, Mount Diablo Base & Meridian, then continues northeast approximately 49 miles along the forest boundary to its intersection with Section 21, T.18S., R.33E., MDB&M, then continues southeast approximately 62 miles along the forest boundary to its intersection with the Tulare County line in the southeast corner of Section 35, T.24S., R.35E., MDB&M, then continues due west approximately 27 miles along the Tulare County line to its intersection with the forest boundary in the southwest corner of Section 33, T.24S., R.30S, MDB&M, then continues north approximately 68 miles along the forest boundary to the starting point, as shown on Exhibit B.

Pacific Southwest Region

Regional Order No. 20-20

I have decided to issue Regional Order No. 20-20 to prohibit going into or being upon National Forest System lands, roads and trails in the following National Forests: Angeles NF, Cleveland NF, Los Padres NF, and San Bernardino NF. This order will be in effect from October 2, 2020, through October 8, 2020. This Regional Order will protect natural resources and provide for the safety of forest visitors by preventing them from getting trapped on National Forest System lands during emergency circumstances. This Regional Order supersedes Regional Order No. 20-19, which I issued on September 30, 2020.

California is experiencing an unprecedented and dire fire season. There are 18 National Forests in California, totaling approximately 20 million acres. Currently, 13 of 18 National Forests in the Pacific Southwest Region in California have large fires. Nearly all fires are now large, “complex” fires (a series of fires in close proximity to one another that have burned into a single large unit). In a typical fire season, California will see some 300,000 acres burn. This year, more than 3 million acres have already burned statewide.

There are 22 large complex fires that continue to burn on National Forests in various parts of the state, including the August Complex on the Mendocino NF, the North Complex in Northern California, the Creek Fire on the Sierra NF, the El Dorado Fire on the San Bernardino NF, the Bobcat Fire on the Angeles NF, the Dolan Fire on the Los Padres NF, SQF Complex on the Sequoia NF, and the Valley Fire on the Cleveland NF. Each of these fires continue to be very active with containment ranging from 15% to 60%.

This closure order is needed to continue to address public and employee safety associated with these large fires, which are burning on the forests covered by this order. Not only are fire conditions continuing to pose challenges in these areas, but firefighting resources in these areas remain depleted. All local crews are currently assigned to firefighting activities, and all available resources, such as engines, aircrafts, etc., have been assigned to active fires. This closure will provide a tactical advantage and allow resource allocation and firefighting activities an opportunity to get ahead of these fires while protecting the public and Forest Service employees. Meanwhile, in other parts of the state, some units are beginning to experience favorable weather conditions. Therefore, this Regional Order applies only to a subset of National Forests in the Pacific Southwest Region where fire conditions and resource availability remain at critical levels.

It is also important to note that we have recently experienced two line-of-duty fatalities of firefighters in California. One was a Forest Service firefighter on the San Bernardino National Forest and the other, a contract firefighter on the August Complex fire, Mendocino National Forest. These tragic events are a testament to the risks and true cost of the situation this Regional Order is attempting to address.

To date this year in Southern California there have been 555 wildfires burning 197,443 acres of National Forest System lands. Extreme fire behavior and dangerous rates of spread are possible at any time of day. Looking ahead, the potential for extreme fire activity is likely to continue until enough precipitation occurs to significantly increase fuel moisture. Fires currently burning on National Forests in Southern California include: El Dorado on the San Bernardino NF, Bobcat on the Angeles NF, Dolan on the Los Padres NF, and Valley on the Cleveland NF.

Across the state, weather conditions continue to be volatile, leading to increased potential for fire starts and rapid spread. Unusually hot temperatures and gusty wind conditions are also posing significant challenges to firefighting operations.

Nationally, and within California, firefighting resources are operating at maximum capacity and there are significant shortages of resources. Nationally, there are very few Incident Management Teams available to respond to large-scale blazes. All fire engines and major firefighting equipment are already assigned to existing fires or positioned to prevent new fire starts from escaping initial attack. This situation means that should additional fires break, the agency may not be able to respond in a timely manner, further risking life and property.

This scarcity of resources has caused the Forest Service to seek assistance from the U.S. Army as well as other countries including Canada, Mexico, and Australia. Two hundred and thirty-three soldiers from the 14th Brigade Engineer Battalion based out of Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, are deployed in support of the August Complex. Two MAFFS C-130 airtankers and support personnel each from the 153rd Airlift Wing (Wyoming Air National Guard) and the 152nd Airlift Wing (Nevada Air National Guard) have been deployed to support other wildland fire operations in California. One fire suppression crew and one overhead personnel from Canada are supporting fire suppression efforts in northern California.

To further add to the complexity of this fire season, National Forests in California have seen record numbers of visitors this summer. Reports indicate that use levels normally associated with peak holidays such as Memorial Day and the 4th of July are being seen every day throughout the summer. This level of visitation held true on Labor Day weekend as well. Campgrounds and dispersed use areas are reportedly full to capacity and overflowing. Overflow parking from parking areas have spilled into roadways. Conflicts between use groups have increased, as has criminal activity. And trash and human waste are collecting faster than staffs are able to clear and clean facilities. These visitor use levels and related management issues further exacerbate a challenging fire situation creating a heightened level of risk.

For example, on the San Bernardino and Angeles National Forests, there are major roads leading up steep canyons accessing remote communities and forest areas. On most days this summer, forest recreation areas were so crowded that parked cars along roadsides blocked traffic. In more than one such instance, emergency vehicles were prevented from accessing those in need because of the crowds.

This Regional Order includes an exemption for persons holding a Forest Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order (Form FS-7700-48). Authorization under this exemption will only be provided if I or my delegate determine that the risk to personal health and safety is reasonable considering the circumstances of the request. We may also require appropriate personal protective equipment and other necessary safety measures. I hereby delegate the authority to sign Form FS-7700-48 granting an exemption to this Regional Order to Forest Supervisors on the Cleveland NF, Angeles NF, San Bernardino NF, and Los Padres NF.

I have concluded that this decision may be categorically excluded from documentation in an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) or Environmental Assessment (EA) under the National Environmental Policy Act. This action falls within the category identified in 36 CFR 220.6(d)(1) – prohibitions to provide short-term resource protection or to protect public health and safety – and does not require documentation in a decision memo, decision notice, or record of decision. I have determined that there are no extraordinary circumstances associated with this temporary closure.

XSigned by: RANDY MOORE

RANDY MOORE Regional Forester Pacific Southwest Region

Enclosure – Regional Order No. 20-20

Sequoia National Park to Reopen Thursday, October 1 
 Mineral King will remain closed for the season and some wilderness closures will be in place

SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, Calif. September 30, 2020 – Sequoia National Park will reopen on Thursday, October 1 as the evacuation warning related to the SQF Complex has been lifted for most of Three Rivers, CA. This reopening includes the Generals Highway from the Ash Mountain entrance station into Sequoia National Park to Highway 180 in Kings Canyon, and national park areas and trails along this route, including the Giant Forest. Exceptions are the Mineral King area and some wilderness lands, which will remain closed due to wildfire concerns, and facilities that are closed due to the pandemic. Sequoia National Forest also remains closed.

Sequoia National Park closed on September 15 in response to the Castle Fire on the SQF Complex. Many park staff were evacuated from the area, and for visitor and resource protection, park managers decided to close the park. The SQF Complex has now grown to over 152,000 acres.

Air quality continues to range from moderate to unhealthy for all, and visitors should take that into consideration when planning a trip. Visit our Air Quality Information web page for more information: www.nps.gov/seki/learn/nature/airqualityinfo.htm.

Potwisha and Lodgepole Campgrounds in Sequoia National Park will reopen on Saturday, October 3 by reservation only. Azalea Campground in Kings Canyon National Park will open for the winter season on Thursday, October 1 with a limited number of first come, first served sites.

Concession services including lodging, market and gift shop will open on Thursday, October 1. For details and information visit www.visitsequoia.com.

For detailed information about current conditions, air quality, and smoke impacts, please visit our Current Conditions web page: www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.

For updated 24-hour road and weather conditions for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, please call 559-565-3341, press 1 and press 1 again. Updated information is also available on the park’s website at www.nps.gov/seki.

Sequoia National Park to Reopen Thursday, October 1 Mineral King will remain closed for the season and some wilderness closures will be in place SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, California September 30, 2020– Sequoia National Park will reopen on Thursday, October 1 as the evacuation warning related to the SQF Complex has been lifted for most of Three Rivers, CA. This reopening includes the Generals Highway from the Ash Mountain entrance station into Sequoia National Park to Highway 180 in Kings Canyon, and national park areas and trails along this route, including the Giant Forest. Exceptions are the Mineral King area and some wilderness lands, which will remain closed due to wildfire concerns, and facilities that are closed due to the pandemic. Sequoia National Forest also remains closed.
Sequoia National Park closed on September 15 in response to the Castle Fire on the SQF Complex. Many park staff were evacuated from the area, and for visitor and resource protection, park managers decided to close the park. The SQF Complex has now grown to over 152,000 acres.
Air quality continues to range from moderate to unhealthy for all, and visitors should take that into consideration when planning a trip. Visit our Air Quality Information web page for more information: www.nps.gov/seki/learn/nature/airqualityinfo.htm.
Potwisha and Lodgepole Campgrounds in Sequoia National Park will reopen on Saturday, October 3 by reservation only. Azalea Campground in Kings Canyon National Park will open for the winter season on Thursday, October 1 with a limited number of first come, first served sites.
Concession services including lodging, market and gift shop will open on Thursday, October 1. For details and information visit www.visitsequoia.com.
For detailed information about current conditions, air quality, and smoke impacts, please visit our Current Conditions web page: www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.
For updated 24-hour road and weather conditions for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, please call 559-565-3341, press 1 and press 1 again. Updated information is also available on the park’s website at www.nps.gov/seki.

Current Situation:

At 7:00 AM this morning, California Interagency Incident Management Team 2 transitioned into command of the entire SQF Complex Fire. Thank you, Incident Commander Jeff Veik, and all of CAL FIRE Team 6 for the leadership they provided on this incident.

Firefighters had another productive day on the SQF Complex yesterday. In the northwest section of the fire, there was a half-acre spot fire that was spotted in a large timber pile and worked with helicopters. Weather will be a factor in the fight today. Winds will be primarily terrain driven and vary in direction for the rest of the week. Lower relative humidity and temperatures are forecasted to be ten degrees above normal. Containment increased in the southern portion with the fire showing little activity and movement yesterday and overnight.

The primary objective continues to be full perimeter control, and under a full suppression strategy.

Today, mule trains will be traveling from Blackrock to Beach Meadows and Casa Vieja, with assistance from CONAFOR Team 3, to begin removing the structure protection wrap from the cabins in the area. Some of these cabins are over one hundred years old. We are sad to report that although wrapped and prepped, the Jiffy Pop cabin in Grey Meadows was destroyed.

Crews will continue to focus on the area between Coy Flat and the Kern River drainage, securing existing fireline. Shifting winds will have some impact on this portion of the fire. The Northwest perimeter of the fire will be patrolled, and any spot fires will be worked with aircraft. Crews will continue to work on falling many hazard trees and snags that pose a threat to containment and human safety. Areas of containment will continue to be monitored with hazards being identified and removed. This process will help repopulation efforts and lead into suppression repair, removing and identifying hazard trees and minimizing negative fire effects in the area. Large amounts of smoke from interior burning is expected, due to heavy downed fuels that continue to burn slowly inside the fire's perimeter.

The process of backhaul, breaking down and removing equipment and supplies no longer needed in the fire area, remains on the east portion of the fire and around several communities.
 

Evacuations:

• Evacuation Orders, Map and Warnings for Tulare County.

• Areas Downgraded to an Evacuation Warning:

  • Mineral King

  • Silver City

  • The remainder of South Fork Drive.

  • Residences on Blue Ridge Drive

• Areas removed from Evacuation Warning List:

  • Three Rivers area, including but not limited to, areas of Three Rivers, South Fork Drive (below Conley Bridge), south of Heidi Drive and Cherokee Oaks

  • Balch Park, including Bear Creek to Rancheria Fire Road and Balch Park Road to Blue Ridge Drive

·       All remaining Evacuation Orders and Evacuation Warnings remain in place

• 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 or https://tinyurl.com/yafetgkj

Closures:

• Sequoia and Inyo National Forests closure is extended due to fire weather severity and resource availability: Regional Order No. 20-19

• 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 National Park remains closed due to fire threat, including Generals Highway from Ash Mountain Entrance in Three Rivers to the Woodward Gate west

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: Tulare County Fire Department, Tulare County Sheriff's Department, California Highway Patrol, Tule River Tribe, California Rehabilitation Center Fire Department, California Conservation Corps, California Office of Emergency Services, and Bureau of Land Management.

Safety Message: This will be a long duration event. 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.