Sequoia fires consume 42,000 acres, pour more smoke into Valley

As the complex of fires in the Tulare County mountains continue to move east, consuming more than 42,000 acres by Wednesday, two hotshot crews were deployed in its southeast path to slow the blaze, officials said.

Spokesman Don Smith added that firefighting aircraft would be parachuting relief supplies to fire crews in the path of the blaze, and also installing water tanks for helicopters involved in the battle.

The fires, now designated the SQF complex, include the Castle and Shotgun fires burning in both the Sequoia and Inyo National forests. The Shotgun fire has burned 375 acres in the Golden Trout Wilderness.

A separate fire, designated the Rattlesnake Fire, burned 84 acres by Wednesday in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park. The lightning-sparked fire was discovered Aug. 16 as vegetation dried after recent rainfall. Spokeswoman Shanelle Saunders said.

Authorities reported that the SQF fires are only one percent contained. With stable air conditions, smoke will remain remain unhealthy for sensitive groups, according to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control Groups.

Evacuation orders remain in effect for Cedar Slope, Ponderosa and Pyles Boys Camp. An evacuation advisory covers Camp Nelson, Rodgers Camp, Coy Flat and Mountain Aire. The Red Cross has set up an evacuation point at Porterville College Stadium Gate 2. Sherman Pass across the Sierra is also shut down.

This story was originally published September 2, 2020 at 1:27 PM with the headline "Sequoia fires consume 42,000 acres, pour more smoke into Valley."