Sequoia forest fires see some containment. Some residents can return, officials say
The Windy Fire has burned about 88,068 acres, but some residents are being allowed to return to evacuated areas, fire officials said Thursday.
The blaze saw no change in its estimated burn scar during the night in the Sequoia National Forest. It is 35% contained, according to Cal Fire. Lightning sparked the wildfire on the Tule River Indian Reservation.
The Windy Fire’s behavior on Wednesday showed “a moderate resistance to control,” officials said, but the humidity limited its spread in grass and brush until late afternoon. Winds later in the day gave the fire the potential to grow towards the Kern River and south towards Panorama Heights.
Officials have downgraded some mandatory evacuations as of noon Thursday in Tulare County, including Alpine Village, Camp Nelson, Cedar Slope, Coy Flat, Pierpoint, Quaking Aspen, Ponderosa and Sequoia Crest.
Nearby Mountain Aire and Rogers Camp will remain closed under evacuation, officials said. All other prior evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect.
The Highway 190 corridor will also open at noon Thursday and the roadblock will be pushed back to Aspen and M107, according to a news release.
Evacuation orders for Mineral King Drive between Highway 198 and Oak Grove Bridge including Crest, Sierra King, Hammond and Oak Grove were downgraded to warning level Thursday afternoon.
A road closure is in effect at the Horse Corrals on Mineral King Road, approximately 2.25 miles east of Highway 198.
Officials advise those residents who choose to return to their homes to be ready to leave again, saying fire conditions can change without warning.
Residents living in these areas may return to their homes after showing proof of residence to law enforcement officers. That could be a driver’s license, utility bill or other address documentation.
KNP Complex
The KNP Complex Fire has not reached the size of the blaze to its south, the Windy Fire, but is only 11% contained. It’s at 49,349 acres as of the latest Thursday update.
The KNP fire was also started by a lightning strike near where the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks meet.
Cal Fire looks to use indirect tactics with both firefighters on foot and heavy equipment to strengthen lines along the Cal Fire protection areas and outside the western park boundary . The aim is to improve structure protection and minimize impacts to areas at risk in Three Rivers, Silver City, Hartland and surrounding communities, according to a news release.
New evacuation orders were issued Thursday night for the communities of Eshom and Hartland Camp, including Eshom Valley Drive from the Fresno County line, south to Tarbell Pocket on Eshom Valley Drive, and North Mountain Road, 468 North to the county line.
The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office warned residents to evacuate using Eshom Valley to Stage Coach, to Highway 245 or Dry Creek.
An evacuation order means an immediate threat to life, safety, and property and all residents and visitors must leave now before the fire reaches the community.
New evacuation warnings were issued for the community of Badger to the north Tulare County boundary, including Whittaker Forest Road, Hogback Road, CA 245, Dry Creek, Sierra Glenn, all the way to Wild Hog Canyon; then south to Deep trail, Shadley Jeep Trail; then east to Eshom Valley Road and north to the Tulare County boundary.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office announced an evacuation warning for the Miramonte and Pinehurst area.
A temporary evacuation point is at the Woodlake Community Center at 145 N. Magnolia St. Individuals with RVs/trailers may find information about where they can park at the college, or you may go to the International Agri-Center 4500 S. Laspina St. in Tulare, Gate D, where you may dry camp.
Earlier in the day, some evacuations had been downgraded, among them for those in the areas of Mineral King Road from Highway 198 to the Oak Grove Bridge, including Crest, Sierra King, Hammond and Oak Grove.
There will be a road closure at the Horse Corrals on Mineral King Road, about 2.25 miles east of Highway 198.
Law enforcement continues to warn residents, even as evacuations ease, to be on the lookout for remaining fire personnel and equipment.
Because of the narrow roadways, Mineral King Road will be closed to the public from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. to allow personnel to move through the area without delay.
Residents are asked to present proof of residence to law enforcement officers; the proof must include the person’s name and address within the impacted area. A driver’s license, utility bill or address documentation from the U.S. Post Office for those who use a P.O. box are acceptable.
This story was originally published September 30, 2021 at 9:24 AM with the headline "Sequoia forest fires see some containment. Some residents can return, officials say."
