SQF Complex grows to 153,226 acres Sequoia National Forest announces partial repoening
The SQF Complex, the wildfire burning just 25 miles north of Kernville, in now at 62 percent containment. The 153,226 acre wildfire is expected to be fully contained by Saturday, October 10. Air quality warnings have been issued for the areas around the fire, due to large amounts of smoke in the air.
On Thursday, at 7 a.m., California Interagency Incident Management Team 2 transitioned into command of the entire SQF Complex Fire. The primary objective continues to be full perimeter control, and under a full suppression strategy.
On Friday, crews focused on the area between Coy Flat and the Kern River drainage, securing existing fire line. 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 continue to 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 was expected, due to heavy downed fuels that continue to burn slowly inside the fire’s perimeter.
In addition, the fire remained 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.
On Friday, beginning at 3 p.m., repopulation of the Camp Nelson, Pier
point, and Ponderosa communities began.
If you are preparing 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 reentering 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.
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 and Human Services Agency hotline for affected citizens can be reached at (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-REDCROSS.
Current air quality may be found at https://fire. airnow.gov/.
To receive emergency notifications regarding evacuations and critical events sign up at alerttc.com.
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 announces partial reopening
The Sequoia National Forest is now partially open after nearly four weeks of emergency closures due to California wildfires and wildfire risk. An area closure is in effect for the Sequoia (SQF) Complex, meaning all national forest managed lands, roads, trails, campgrounds, lakes, etc., within the closure order are closed to entry.
The closure area is generally described as Forest managed lands South of the Hume Lake Ranger District and North of the Tulare County line. All of the Western Divide Ranger District is closed. The northern portion of the Kern River Ranger District is closed. The closure area map is available at https:// www. fs. usda. gov/ detail/sequoia/notices.
Propane and gas stove use are now permitted in developed recreation sites in National Forests in California. Developed recreation sites are defined as areas that have been improved or developed for recreation such as campgrounds and day use sites.
With a valid woodcutting permit, firewood may be cut in the Hume Lake Ranger District and south of the Kern County line in the Kern River Ranger District. No woodcutting is allowed in the closure area.
While popular activities such as hunting, hiking, boating, and other types of general recreation are now allowed outside of the closure area, several prohibitions are still in place.
All visitors should practice self-sufficiency during visits to national forests. Recreating responsibly will help ensure that expanded access to recreational facilities, services, and opportunities continues.
Responsible recreation practices should be maintained at all times, including:
• Maintaining at least six feet distancing from others
• Do not gather in groups and please follow the latest guidance from officials
• Communicate with others as you pass. Alert trail users of your presence and step aside to let others pass
• Pack out your trash and leave with everything you bring in and use.
• All services may not be available, so please plan accordingly.
Please call your local Ranger Station Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or email Sm.fs.sequoianf@usda. gov for current SQF information.
Stay informed, follow our webpage at www. fs.usda.gov/sequoia, Facebook at #Sequoianf, Twitter at @sequoiaforest or Sequoianf Oncell app.