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SQF Complex Daily Update for Oct 7

Related Incident:
Publication Type: News

Incident Information:

Start / Report Date: 8/19/20

Cause: Lightning

Resources:

Hand Crews: 21

Dozers: 8

Size: 160,908 acres

Location: 25 miles N of Kernville, CA

Helicopters: 8

Water Tenders: 17

Containment: 65 %

Injuries: 17

Structures Destroyed: 228

Engines: 51

Total Personnel: 853

Current Situation:

The fire is active in the northwest area near Cedar and Squaw Creek and has spread to Homers Nose moving east toward the Hockett Meadow area. Threats to infrastructure on Case Mountain, the Hockett Ranger Station, several sequoia groves and wilderness values with Sequoia National Park continue. Hockett Meadow ranger station and structures in South Fork are being prepped to be wrapped in fire protection wrap. Crews are working to stop the fire from spreading and will focus on securing the perimeter and building contingency line along Mineral King Road to Case Mountain.

As the temperatures start to cool and the smoke begins to clear, fire activity is expected to increase. The potential for smoke columns starting to form near Homers Nose may be seen in the South Fork and Three Rivers areas. With clear visibility, there will be an increased use of aircraft and helicopters to focus on dropping water and fire retardant in the areas most at risk.

Tulare County Sherriff’s Office has 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. South Fork Drive needs to remain available for fire crews and heavy equipment access from Highway 198 to Cinnamon Canyon Road.

Camp Nelson, Pierpoint, Ponderosa, Coy Flat, Doyle Springs, Rogers Camp, and Mountain Aire are under an Evacuation Warning. Mountain Home Camp, South Fork Drive Area, Alpine Village, Cedar Slope, Pyles Boys Camp, Redwood Drive, and Sequoia Crest are under an evacuation order. For more information visit: https://tularecounty.ca.gov/recovers/.

The southern perimeter is holding. Crews will focus on removing fire weakened trees and extinguish hot spots in this area. Preparing the communities of Sequoia Crest and Cedar Slope for people to return to these areas remains a high priority for fire crews. There are sections that are unburnt and may burn causing an increase of

visible smoke from inside the perimeter. Crews and aircraft will continue to monitor these areas.

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, 10:00 am 4:00 pm.

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/.

There has been a transfer of command from California Incident Management Team 2 to Southern California Incident Management Team 13 on October 6, 2020 at 6:00 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. 20-18 · 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.


Actualizacin de incidente del Complejo SQF Fecha 1062020

Related Incident:
Publication Type: News

Situación actual:

El incendio estuvo activo anoche en el área de Mountain Home, al suroeste de Dennison Mountain. Los bomberos se ocuparon de controlar directamente el fuego y hoy limpiarán el área. El incendio también estuvo activo en el área de South Fork Campground, donde cruzó la bifurcación sur del río Kaweah y está ardiendo hacia Homers Nose quemando materiales combustibles caídos y pesados.

 

El incendio de Shotgun está completamente controlado.

 

Hoy, a medida de que cambie el clima, se espera que el aire sobre el incendio se aclare. Esto permitirá que los aviones vuelen sobre el área para ver bien la posición actual del incendio. El cielo despejado también traerá un comportamiento de fuego más activo. Durante los últimos días, un sistema de alta presión ha mantenido una capa espesa de humo sobre el incendio. Esto es como tener una tapa sobre una olla en la cocina. Una vez que se quita, el calor aumenta y el oxígeno alimenta el fuego. Esta es la prioridad estratégica más importante del incendio y el personal y los aviones se concentrarán en el área durante los próximos días.

 

Se está construyendo una línea de control principal en la bifurcación sur del río Kaweah que se conectará con el borde del incendio cerca de South Fork Campground. Además, las cuadrillas y las excavadoras están construyendo una línea de contingencia a lo largo de Case Mountain.

 

Los bomberos también se centrarán en la eliminación de varios árboles de gran peligro en el área de Sequoia Crest. Se contrataron equipo y personal especiales para abordar este problema. Hay muchos árboles peligrosos en toda la zona del incendio. Por un tiempo, se podrá observar en el área humo de los árboles e islas de vegetación que aún no se han quemado. Los focos de fuego cerca de la línea se extinguirán una vez que los bomberos logren ubicarlos. Es posible que se permita que se quemen otras zonas de fuego que no representen una amenaza para la línea, mientras las cuadrillas de bombero se concentran en las prioridades más importantes.


El condado de Tulare abrió un Centro de Asistencia Local (Local Assistance Center, LAC) en Government Plaza (1055 West Henderson Avenue, Porterville, CA). El horario de atención es 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. los sábados y domingos. Se abrirá un LAC satélite en Camp Nelson los martes y jueves de 10:00 a. m. a 4:00 p. m.

 

Camp Nelson, Pierpoint, Ponderosa, Coy Flat y Doyle Springs se encuentran bajo advertencia de evacuación. 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. Las actividades, como la recolección de madera y la caza, no están permitidas dentro del cierre del bosque. 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/.

 

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. Se espera que las temperaturas estén 10 grados por debajo de lo normal. A pesar de las temperaturas en descenso, se espera que permanezca seco con niveles de humedad muy bajos. La humedad en la vegetación viva y muerta se encuentra en el nivel más bajo registrado.

 

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:

 

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.


Southern Sierra Sequoia SQF Complex Pronstico de Humo para 610 71

Related Incident:
Publication Type: News

Actualizado: 2020-10-06 09:20 PDT

 

Incéndio

El tamaño actual del fuego es de 158,945 acres, creció 887 acres, y está contenido en un 65%. 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

El humo tiene la posibilidad de persistir en las comunidades cercanas al fuego. El humo en otras partes de la region también contribuye al impacto en el área de pronóstico. Las comunidades cerca del drenaje del rio Kern podrían ver una mejor calidad de aire en la tarde, a medida que vientos leves del sureste aumenten un poco en velocidad. 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 inesperadamente. Si comienza a notar efectos del humo en su salud, se le recomienda que vea los enlaces mas abajo.


Southern Sierra Sequoia SQF Complex Smoke Outlook for Oct 6 and 7

Related Incident:
Publication Type: News

Issued at: 2020-10-06 08:23 PDT

 

Fire

Current fire size is 158,945 acres with a growth of 887 acres and containment is 65%. 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

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 may see better air quality in late afternoon as Southeast winds slightly pick up. 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.


SQF Complex Daily Update Oct 6

Related Incident:
Publication Type: News

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:

 

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.


SQF Update in Spanish Oct 5

Related Incident:
Publication Type: News

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.


Southern Sierra Sequoia SQF Complex Pronstico de Humo para 510 610

Related Incident:
Publication Type: News

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.


SQF Complex Daily Update Oct 5

Related Incident:
Publication Type: News

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: 

 

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.


Southern Sierra Sequoia SQF Complex Smoke Outlook for Oct 5 and 6

Related Incident:
Publication Type: News

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.


Life in a Fire Camp

Related Incident:
Publication Type: News

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.

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