KNP Complex Fire Update: 9-24-21
The following is a press release from the USDA Forest Service.
Fire Stats
Acres: 36,850 acres (based on infrared flight)
Containment: 0%
Start Date: September 11, 2021
Cause: Lightning
Jurisdiction: Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park
Resources: 1,620 personnel including: 49 crews, 58 engines, 35 water tenders and 21 helicopters
Current Fire and Personnel Conditions
The KNP Complex, ignited by lightning on the night of September 9 and reported two days later, continues to grow in Sequoia
National Park.
Incident priorities are the protection of life and property in surrounding communities; protection of the Giant Sequoia Groves; and protection of infrastructure within the Sequoia National Park.
There was 8,522 acres of growth on the fire in the last 24 hours. The majority of that growth was in the Ash Mountain area where a burning operation took place to protect the Park buildings and infrastructure.
Resources continue to be allocated in alignment with incident priorities. Seventeen dozers are operating in the Hartland/Wilsonia area to open old roads for better fire access and improve control operations. Previous fuel treatments helped protect the big grove in Kings Canyon area, and burnout operations have been used in the Crystal Cave area to reduce fuels between the fire and the Hidden Fire burn scar.
Crews are preparing for burnout operations to reduce fuels in the Park Headquarters area near Ash Mt. and Paradise Ridge, and north of the Mineral King Road tentatively scheduled to occur in the next few days as conditions permit.
Air operations will continue to support ground operations as smoke conditions allow across the entire fire area.
Today’s Weather Forecast:
High pressure continues to dominate the region today. Winds remain light and terrain driven. Areas where smoke clears will see more active fire behavior in the afternoon. Poor humidity recovery and warmer temperatures will lead to drier conditions through the afternoon.