This news story about wildfires in Sequoia National Park is based on September 10 and 11, 2021 National Park Service press releases. You can read the original releases here and here.
After the Dixie Fire tore through Lassen Volcanic National Park earlier this summer, destroying historic cabins and a huge tract of forest, other California national parks now have their own fire problems. On the evening of last Thursday, September 9, a significant lightning storm sparked a number of new wildfires in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, California.
“As we tackle these new fires, we’re continuing to search for additional fires that may have been ignited by the lightning event. As the moisture that accompanied the storm evaporates in the coming days, we can anticipate discovering additional starts throughout the parks.”
– Chief Ranger Ned Kelleher
Wildfires in Sequoia National Park Are Growing
These Sequoia National Park wildfires continue to expand and could affect park resources and infrastructure. Both parks—co-managed Sequoia and Kings Canyon—are aggressively attacking these fires to suppress them.
Suppressions actions include hand crews working on the ground, as well as aerial water and fire retardant drops.
The Cabin Fire reached approximately two acres and is largely contained. However, both the Colony and Paradise Fires are in much steeper and dangerous terrain and are being attacked by several aircraft resources with water and retardant to slow the rate of spread.
Numerous aircraft have been assigned to the fires over the last two days. This includes an air attack, six air tankers, two Type 1 helicopters, two Type 2 helicopters, and one Type 3 helicopter. Two more helicopters have been ordered to assist with suppression.
To help suppress and contain these wildfires, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks have received assistance from the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.
Additionally, resources are also coming in from Yosemite National Park, with more assistance expected.
The Colony Fire grew from 4 acres to 72 acres overnight with zero percent containment. Paradise Fire is now approximately 32 acres in size with zero percent containment.
Closures in Sequoia National Park Underway Due to Fires
The Generals Highway closed today at 1:00 p.m. to both uphill and downhill traffic from the Sequoia Entrance Station to the Giant Forest Museum.
Potwisha Campground is closing this evening, September 11, due to proximity to the Paradise and Colony Fires. Yesterday, September 10, Crystal Cave and Crystal Cave Road were closed due to proximity to the Colony Fire.
Buckeye Flat Campground was also closed yesterday due to proximity to the Paradise Fire. These areas will remain closed until the fire threat is diminished. The parks noted that additional closures may be necessary in the coming days.
The Kings Canyon entrance from Highway 180 remains open. The Generals Highway is open between the Kings Canyon entrance and the Giant Forest Museum in Sequoia National Park until further notice.
Reservation holders for Crystal Cave, Buckeye Flat Campground and Potwisha Campground will receive notifications and refunds directly from Recreation.gov.
Visitors to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks in the coming days can expect to encounter smoke, poor air quality and firefighters. They may see active fires in Sequoia National Park from certain vista points.
You can find updates and more information about current conditions on parks’ website.
Due to high fuels, low moisture levels, and limited resources, large spread is possible for these fires and local residents are encouraged to track updates through InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7838/