The Big Five wildfire continues to burn in the wilderness of Sequoia National Park, with areas of open flame producing moderate amounts of smoke. The lightning caused fire, first reported on June 17, has continued to grow in size and now has a perimeter of more than 90 acres – of which, only about one-half an acre is actively burning.

The fire is about seven trail miles southeast of the Little Five Lakes Ranger Station and between 15 – 20 trail miles east of Mineral King Valley, depending on which trail is taken. It is bordered on the east by the Sierra Crest and to the west by the Great Western Divide. Despite recent rains, the fire has proven resilient.

Smoke may be visible to those hiking in the central part of the park, particularly in the vicinity of Big Arroyo. As always, hikers are encouraged to pay attention to their surroundings and be alert to any changes in conditions. Fire is an essential part of the ecosystem and necessary for natural processes as well as the wilderness’ long term health. The Big Five continues to be closely monitored by the park from the air, and because it poses no immediate threat to structures, trails, or visitors, direct suppression will be limited at this time. Air quality and smoke issues are high priorities for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, and interested parties can visit http://go.nps.gov/sekiair for up-to-date air quality information. Please visit http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4308/ for more information and updates.

For over forty years, our mission has been to use the full range of options and strategies available to manage fire in the parks. This includes protecting park resources, employees, and the public from unwanted fire; building and maintaining fire resilient ecosystems; reducing the threat to local communities from wildfires emanating from the parks or adjacent lands; and recruiting, training, and retaining a professional fire management workforce.

Fire contained

near Springville

Cal Fire was able to contain a fast spreading wildfire near Springville last weekend.

The vegetation fire started on July 21 east of the Triple R Estates in the Springville area. Nearly 300 firefighters, 13 crews, 12 engines, four dozers, three helicopters, one airtanker and four water tenders worked throughout the week to contain the fire that had burned 430 acres before achieving 100% containment at 8 a.m. on Sunday, July 26. Firefighters will monitor the area in patrol status for the next several days.

CAL FIRE would like to remind all residents and visitors to the area that we remain in a drought situation and remember “one less spark one less wildfire.”