Smoke Outlook for 9/21 - 9/22

Southern Sierra - Sequoia : SQF Complex

Issued at: 2020-09-21 08:29 PDT

Smoke

Air quality across the outlook area is expected to decrease

today. With burnout operations underway, smoke may

increase at times. However, most smoke should remain within

the Sierras. Evening down drainage flow will transport smoke

back into the valleys.

Special Notes

Outlooks values reflect 24hr particulate matter impacts on air

quality. Review your closest monitoring station when planning

outdoor activities.

The following areas are NOW under a VOLUNTARY EVACUATION WARNING:

-Areas of Cherokee Oaks

-Old Three Rivers Road

-Portions of South Fork Drive, north of Conley Bridge (just south of Heidi Drive), including South Forks Estates

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.

All remaining Evacuation Orders and Evacuation Warnings remain in place.

East Castle Zone SQF Complex

Sequoia and Inyo National Forests

September 20, 2020

Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 1

Mike Goicoechea, Incident Command

East Castle Zone Information Line: (559) 697-5148, 8 AM-8 PM

East Castle Zone Website: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7048/

East Castle Zone Email: sqfcomplex2020@gmail.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SequoiaNF     www.facebook.com/inyonf

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/countyoftulare  

Twitter: @sequoiaforest and @Inyo_NF

West Castle Zone Information Line: (916) 618-3195

West Castle Zone Media Line: (559) 635-8206

West Castle Zone Website: www.fire.ca.gov/current_incidents

West Castle Zone Email Updates: https://tinyurl.com/SQFComplexWest

Facebook:  @CALFIRE_TUU Twitter: @CALFIRETUU

 

All SQF Complex Statistics

Location: 25 miles N of Kernville, CA

Date of origin: 8/19/20  

Cause: Lightning

Size: 135,802 acres         

Containment: 14%

Cost: $39.2 million          

Injuries: 14

Civilians evacuated: 3,483

Structures threatened: 3,183

Structures destroyed: 150

 

Resources

Hand Crews: 21

Engines: 99

Water-tenders: 86          

Dozers: 29

Helicopters: 7    

Personnel: 1,481

 

A community meeting will be held tonight at 4 PM for both zones of the Sequoia Complex (#SQFComplex). The meeting will be held via Facebook Live on the Sequoia National Forest’s Facebook page. Questions may be submitted in advance to the East Zone (sqfcomplex2020@gmail.com) and to the West Zone (westcastlezone@gmail.com).

 

The Sequoia Complex is under the Unified Command between the United States Forest Service, Sequoia National Park, Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 1, and CAL FIRE Team 6. The Northern Rockies Team 1 is in command of the East Castle Zone and CAL FIRE Team 6 is in command of the West Castle Zone. Both teams are managing the Sequoia Complex as a Team of One.

 

The number of structures lost, 150, has not increased since September 16. Firefighters continue to patrol communities where the fire front has passed through, as well as the 1,000 structures in Ponderosa, Camp Nelson, Coy Flat, and Pierpoint that remain under threat.

 

“We have been through a week of providing structure protection through the day and through the night in area communities,” said Mike Goicoechea, Incident Commander. “Through all of that, we have had no injuries, and we are actively saving homes.  I am proud of the hard, safe work our firefighters are putting in to protect these area homes, it is a difficult battle.”

 

SQF COMPLEX-ALL ZONES:  The Castle Fire is 134,970 acres and the Shotgun Fire is 832 acres for a total of 135,802 acres. The containment on the complex has increased to 14%.

 

East Castle Zone SQF Complex - Castle Fire:  Yesterday, the fire spotted over to the east side of the Kern River. The spot was contained at less than one acre and will be patrolled today. Fire crews continue to remain fully engaged in point protection for local communities. As threats to structures decrease, perimeter control of the fire will again be a priority.

 

Burnout operations around Ponderosa continued in small blocks to increase the line of defensible space. In the areas of Camp Nelson, Coy Flat, and Pierpoint, there has not been a lot of recent fire movement. Crews are working along the Coy Flat Road to tie direct line into a rocky outcrop. This line will allow crews extra time to prep structures in the Mountain Aire and Rodgers Camp areas. Aerial resources continue to be used in and around communities with both water and retardant drops.

 

Containment increased to 14% as a large portion of the eastern flank, including portions in the Inyo National Forest, has not seen active fire for several days. As personnel become more confident that containment lines are secure, containment on the fire will increase. Direct line construction on the unsecured eastern edge is still being completed around Little Horse Meadows. At the Kern Canyon Ranger Station, local personnel remain ready to provide structure protection.

 

Both zones of the Sequoia Complex are working on a plan to construct indirect line along the Tule Indian Reservation. Heavy equipment is in the area and will be used to construct a containment line along the ridge.

 

East Castle Zone SQF Complex - Shotgun Fire:  The fire is approximately one mile south of the Sequoia National Park and is currently 832 acres. 

 

A record was set yesterday for number of personnel assigned to active incidents in the nation. According to the National Interagency Fire Coordination Center, 32,727 personnel are actively deployed on incidents.

 

Weather: Temperatures will be slightly warmer, with highs ranging from 75 to 83 degrees.  Relative humidity levels will be down five percent today with levels in the mid-teens. Winds will be northeasterly in the morning, shifting to the southwest in the afternoon with sustained speeds under 10 mph.  

Evacuations, Closures and Additional Information:

• Tulare County residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications at alerttc.com.  
• Evacuation Orders and Warnings Tulare County may be found at https://www.facebook.com/countyoftulare. 
• Tulare County has a structure assessment form for evacuees affected by the fire.
• An interactive map showing damaged structures is now 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
• Current air quality may be found at  https://fire.airnow.gov/.
• Sequoia and Inyo National Forests are closed:  Regional Order No. 20-15
• Regional Emergency Fire Restrictions are in place:  Regional Order No. 20-14
• Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are currently closed.
• 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.

 

Priorities include: Communities listed in the above evacuation orders, Casa Vieja, Blackrock Ranger Station, Rogers Camp, Beach Meadows, Monache Meadows, structures along the Lloyd Meadows Road, Freeman Grove, the President George H.W. Bush Tree, Camp Whitsett, archeological values, Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog and Little Kern Golden Trout Critical Habitats, Pacific Fisher habitats, OSA, Beach, and Beck Meadows, trailheads and facilities.

 

Cooperating Agencies:  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.

Smoke Outlook for 9/20 - 9/21

Southern Sierra - Sequoia : SQF Complex

Issued at: 2020-09-20 08:31 PDT

Smoke

Air quality across the outlook area is expected to be slightly

better than yesterday. Today morning smoke levels improve in

the lower Kern River drainage and along the Sierra Foothills.

With burnout operations underway, smoke may increase at

times. However, most smoke should remain within the Sierras.

Evening down drainage flow will transport smoke back into the

valleys.

Special Notes

Outlooks values reflect 24hr particulate matter impacts on air

quality. Review your closest monitoring station when planning

outdoor activities.

CAL FIRE MEDIA ADVISORY

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

 

 

CONTACT:

Incident Information Line

West Zone: (916) 618-3195

RELEASE DATE:

September 19, 2020

3:00 p.m.

 

 

SQF COMPLEX INCIDENT

WEST CASTLE ZONE

EAST CASTLE ZONE

PRESS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT

 

 

WHAT: PRESS CONFERENCE

Fire, Law Enforcement, and Cooperators will provide an update on fire conditions and will be available to answer questions after the press conference.

 

WHEN: September 21, 2020 3:00 PM

 

WHERE: Porterville Fairgrounds

2700 Teapot Dome Ave

Porterville, CA 93257

NOTES: Press Conference will be live streamed via Facebook @CALFIRETUU https://www.facebook.com/calfiretuu. Please ensure the use of a facial covering for media members attending. All County COVID-19 guidelines will be adhered to.

The Sequoia Complex (#SQFComplex) will host a public information meeting at 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 20, 2020. The meeting will be broadcast via Facebook Live and will also be available for viewing at later times. Questions may be submitted in advance to sqfcomplex2020@gmail.com.
 

 The live stream will appear at the top of the Sequoia National Forest Facebook page a few minutes before 4:00 p.m. www.facebook.com/SequoiaNF

Regional Order No. 20-15

USDA Forest Service

Pacific Southwest Region

Emergency Forest Closure

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety and protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited on National Forest System lands within the Pacific Southwest Region. This Order is effective from September 19, 2020, through September 24, 2020.

1. Going into or being upon National Forest System lands within the National Forests listed below.

a. Angeles National Forest

b. Cleveland National Forest

c. Los Padres National Forest

d. San Bernardino National Forest

e. Inyo National Forest

f. Sequoia National Forest

g. Sierra National Forest

h. Klamath National Forest

i. Six Rivers National Forest

36 C.F.R. § 261.52(e).

2. Being on a National Forest System road within the National Forests listed below.

a. Angeles National Forest

b. Cleveland National Forest

c. Los Padres National Forest

d. San Bernardino National Forest

e. Inyo National Forest

f. Sequoia National Forest

g. Sierra National Forest

h. Klamath National Forest

i. Six Rivers National Forest

36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).

3. Being on a National Forest System trail within the National Forests listed below.

a. Angeles National Forest

b. Cleveland National Forest

c. Los Padres National Forest

d. San Bernardino National Forest

e. Inyo National Forest

f. Sequoia National Forest

g. Sierra National Forest

h. Klamath National Forest

i. Six Rivers National Forest

36 C.F.R. § 261.55(a).

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

1. 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

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

3. Persons with a Forest Service non-special-use written authorization to conduct non-recreational activities, such as harvesting timber or forest products, or grazing livestock.

4. Owners or lessees of land, to the extent necessary to access their land.

5. Residents, to the extent necessary to access their residences.

6. Persons engaged in a business, trade, or occupation are not exempt from the prohibitions listed above, but may use National Forest System roads to the extent necessary to carry out their business, trade, or occupation.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions contained in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A.

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 6 months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.

Done at Vallejo, California, this 18th day of September, 2020.

XSigned by: RANDY MOORE

RANDY MOORE

Regional Forester Pacific Southwest Region

This Regional Order supersedes Regional Order Nos. 20-12 and 20-13, dated September 14, 2020.

Regional Order No. 20-14

USDA Forest Service

Pacific Southwest Region

Emergency Fire Restrictions

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), and to provide for public safety and protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited on National Forest System lands within the Pacific Southwest Region. This Order is effective from September 19, 2020, through September 24, 2020.

1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a).

2. Smoking. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(c).

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

1. 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.

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

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions contained in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A.

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 6 months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.

Done at Vallejo, California, this 18th day of September, 2020.

XSigned by: RANDY MOORE

RANDY MOORE

Regional Forester

Pacific Southwest Region

This Regional Order supersedes Regional Order No. 20-11, dated September 14, 2020.

Smoke Outlook for 9/19 - 9/20

Southern Sierra - Sequoia : SQF Complex

Issued at: 2020-09-19 08:29 PDT

Smoke

Yesterday, the air quality was mostly Unhealthy. Today

morning smoke levels improve in the lower Kern River

drainage and along the Sierra Foothills. In the PM when light S

ridge winds arrive, terrain winds will dominant. With burnout

operations underway, smoke transport will keep most smoke

within the Sierras. With nightfall areas near the southern

Sequoia N. P. boundary will be affected by smoke. Down

drainage flow will transport smoke back into the valleys.

Special Notes

Outlooks reflect particulate matter impacts on air quality.

Review your closest monitoring station when planning outdoor

activities. Roadway Visibility can be affected. Drive with care.

East Castle Zone SQF Complex

Sequoia and Inyo National Forests

September 19, 2020

Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 1

Mike Goicoechea, Incident Commander

East Castle Zone Information Line: (559) 697-5148, 8 AM-8 PM

East Castle Zone Website: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7048/

East Castle Zone Email: sqfcomplex2020@gmail.com

Website: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7048/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SequoiaNF     www.facebook.com/inyonf

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/countyoftueplare  

Twitter: @sequoiaforest and @Inyo_NF

Evacuation Info: www.alerttc.com

 

West Castle Zone Information Line: (916) 618-3195

West Castle Zone Media Line: (559) 635-8206

West Castle Zone Website: www.fire.ca.gov/current_incidents

West Castle Zone Email Updates (sign up): https://tinyurl.com/SQFComplexWest

Evacuation Info: www.alerttc.com

Facebook:  @CALFIRE_TUU      Twitter: @CALFIRETUU

 

All SQF Complex Statistics

Location: 25 miles N of Kernville, CA

Date of origin: 8/19/20  

Cause: Lightning

Size: 133,488 acres         

Containment: 12%

Cost: $36.9 million         

 Injuries: 14

Civilians evacuated: 3,183

Structures threatened: 3,483

Structures destroyed: 150

 

Resources

Hand Crews: 22

Engines: 98

Water-tenders: 36          

Dozers: 26

Helicopters: 9    

Personnel: 1,446

 

The Sequoia Complex (#SQFComplex) is under the Unified Command between the United States Forest Service, Sequoia National Park, Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 1, and CAL FIRE Team 6. The Northern Rockies Team 1 is in command of the East Castle Zone and CAL FIRE Team 6 is in command of the West Castle Zone on the SQF Complex. Both teams are managing the SQF Complex as a Team of One.

 

A community meeting will be held at 4 PM on Sunday, September 20, for both zones of the Sequoia Complex. The meeting will be held via Facebook Live on the Sequoia National Forest’s Facebook page. Questions may be submitted in advance to the East Zone (sqfcomplex2020@gmail.com) and to the West Zone (westcastlezone@gmail.com).

 

The Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency has a hotline to support citizens facing challenges as a result of the SQF Complex. The phone number is (559) 802-9790 and is staffed daily.

 

SQF COMPLEX-ALL ZONES:  The entire complex is a total of 133,488 acres and contains the Castle Fire (132,658 acres) and the Shotgun Fire (830 acres). The complex is currently 12% contained.

 

“As crews continue to battle the Sequoia Complex, we are saddened by the loss of a fellow firefighter on the El Dorado Fire. Our hearts ache with the sad news and our sincere sympathy goes to our friends and family to the south,” said Sequoia National Forest Supervisor Teresa Benson. “With more long days ahead, this is a sad reminder of the danger our firefighter’s face daily. Both the Northern Rockies Team 1 and CalFire Team 6 place firefighter and public safety as the top priority. One Team, One Fight.”

 

East Castle Zone SQF Complex - Castle Fire:  Yesterday, fire activity increased near Ponderosa by midafternoon. Point protection and structure protection by firefighters occurred into the evening. During the night, burning was done on the south side to build a stronger buffer against today’s predicted southern winds. The fire spotted into Quaker Meadow yesterday, igniting available fuels.  The spot was caught and extinguished by firefighters. Firefighters had a very busy day around Camp Nelson and Coy Flat strengthening an existing line with dozer work. The fire did move over Coy Flat Road. Structure protection actions began in the Mountain Aire and Rodgers Camp area.

 

Today will continue to be a challenging day in Ponderosa, Coy Flat, and Pierpoint as firefighters continue to implement tactics and strategies for point protection and structure protection. There has been no structure loss in Ponderosa. Crews have worked hard and have been successful with many saves, capturing areas of heat before they become an issue. 

 

Progress has been made on the southeast corner of the fire between Little Horse Meadows and Osa Meadows. Friday’s westerly winds did not compromise containment lines to the south and east. Today, work will continue on additional direct line construction.  Structure protection remains at the ready in the eastern backcountry areas and in Sequoia National Park at the Kern Canyon Station.

 

East Castle Zone SQF Complex - Shotgun Fire:  The fire is approximately one mile south of the Sequoia National Park and is currently 830 acres. 

 

Weather:  As the smoke clears today, sunny skies will prevail.  Highs will range from the low 70s to mid 80s in the lower elevations. High pressure ridging will continue to dominate over the fire into early next week with mainly south to southwest winds at the ridges and relative humidity levels falling into the teams.

 

Smoke: Smoke will lift from the Kern River Valley around noon and heavily return this evening. For current air quality, visit: https://fire.airnow.gov/.

 

Evacuations, Closures and Additional Information:

• Tulare County has a structure assessment form for evacuees affected by the fire.
• Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency hotline for affected citizens – (559) 802-9790
• Evacuation Orders and Warnings Tulare County may be found at https://www.facebook.com/countyoftulare. 
• Tulare County residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications at alerttc.com.  
• 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
• All National Forests in California are currently closed as of September 9, 2020.
• Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are currently closed.
• 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 current Temporary Flight Restriction (9/19/20) may be found by clicking here. The use of drones over the fire is also prohibited.

 

Priorities include: Communities listed in the above evacuation orders, Casa Vieja, Blackrock Ranger Station, Rogers Camp, Beach Meadows, Monache Meadows, structures along the Lloyd Meadows Road, Freeman Grove, the President George H.W. Bush Tree, Camp Whitsett, archeological values, Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog and Little Kern Golden Trout Critical Habitats, Pacific Fisher habitats, OSA, Beach, and Beck Meadows, trailheads and facilities.

 

Cooperating Agencies:  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.