Situación actual:

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

 

Al 2 de octubre de 2020, los residentes han regresado a Camp Nelson, Pierpoint, Ponderosa, Coy Flat y Doyle Springs. Visite https://tularecounty.ca.gov/recovers/ para obtener más información. El condado de Tulare abrirá un Centro de Asistencia Local (Local Assistance Center, LAC) en Porterville College el lunes por la mañana. 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.

 

Se le recuerda al público que debe permanecer atento al regresar después de un incendio forestal. A medida que los resistentes retornen a las áreas abiertas, es sumamente importante que sigan manteniéndose lejos de las áreas cerradas. Estas áreas están cerradas debido a la presencia de múltiples peligros y porque las cuadrillas siguen trabajando en ellas. Las áreas se reabrirán en cuanto sea razonablemente seguro hacerlo. Para obtener más información, visite: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/post-wildfire/returning-home/

 

Hoy, las cuadrillas siguen construyendo y mejorando líneas de contención para el control perimetral en el frente norte del incendio. El movimiento del fuego en la parte noreste del incendio ha cruzado la bifurcación sur (South Fork) del río Kaweah y está ardiendo con combustibles ligeros. Por el momento, está contenido por ríos, arroyos y senderos. Comenzará el trabajo con excavadoras para crear una línea de contingencia desde el río hasta Mineral King Road.

 

Se espera que las cuadrillas de bomberos finalicen su trabajo en los perímetros sur y este y que comiencen a desmontar el campamento de Troy Meadows el día de hoy, seguido por Camp Whitsett el día de mañana. Estos recursos serán enviados al noroeste, donde el fuego se mantiene más activo.

El sur de California todavía está bajo la influencia de un domo extenso e intenso de aire a alta presión. Con esta masa de aire firmemente situada, espere otro día de temperaturas altas, baja humedad y vientos guiados por el terreno local. Dada esta humedad baja, toda la vegetación es muy susceptible al fuego. El humo sobre el fuego seguirá moderando el comportamiento del fuego, pero dificultará el acceso al área con aeronaves.

 

Todas las agencias cooperadoras han demostrado un enorme esfuerzo de coordinación, acceso y comunicación efectiva durante este incendio, lo cual ha contribuido en gran medida a la eficacia para combatir el fuego. Seguimos agradeciendo la cooperación entre las diversas agencias.

 

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: 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.

County of Tulare

For Immediate Release

October 4, 2020

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

Areas downgraded to evacuation warning include:

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

An Evacuation Warning means people living in the area are able to return to their homes, but should still be ready to evacuate should fire conditions change, due to the SQF Complex fire activity.

People living in these areas may return to their homes after showing proof of residence to law enforcement officers. Proper documentation must include the person’s name and address within the impacted area. Examples include a driver’s license, utility bill or address documentation from the U.S. Post Office for people who use a post office box. At this time, only residents are permitted to return.

All remaining Evacuation Orders and Evacuation Warnings remain in place.

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

 

Fire

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

 

Smoke

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

 

Special Notes

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

Current Situation:

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

 

As of October 2, residents have returned to Camp Nelson, Pierpoint, Ponderosa, Coy Flat, and Doyle Springs. Visit https://tularecounty.ca.gov/recovers/ for more information. Tulare County will open a Local Assistance Center (LAC) at Porterville Government Plaza on Henderson on Monday morning. 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. 

 

The public is reminded to stay vigilant when returning after a wildfire. 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 are closed due to multiple hazards and crews continue to work in these areas and they will reopen as soon as it is reasonably safe to do so. For more information visit: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/post-wildfire/returning- home/. 

 

Today, fire crews continue to build and improve containment lines for perimeter control across the north end of the fire. Fire movement on the northwest portion of the fire has crossed the South Fork of the Kaweah River and is burning in light fuels. It is currently being held by rivers, creeks, and trails. Work will begin to create a contingency line using bulldozers, from the river to Mineral King Road. 

 

Fire crews are expected to finish their work along the southern and eastern perimeters and will begin to break down the Troy Meadows camp today, followed by Camp Whitsett tomorrow. These resources will then be sent to the northwest where the fire remains most active. 

 

Southern California remains under the influence of a broad and strong dome of high-pressure air. With this airmass firmly in place, expect another day of high temperatures, low humidity and local terrain driven winds. With such low humidity, all vegetation is highly susceptible to fire. Smoke over the fire will continue to moderate fire behavior but will make it difficult to access the area with aircraft. 

 

A tremendous effort for coordination, access, and effective communication during this fire has been displayed by all cooperating agencies, which has greatly contributed to the effectiveness in battling the fire. The cooperation between multiple agencies continues to be appreciated. 

 

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 NorthExeter 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: 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 www.ready.gov/wildfires to learn how to prepare. 

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.