September 8 Update on Coffeepot Fire

Posted 3 months ago by A member of the 3RTogether Team

The Coffeepot Fire is 13,347 acres with 27% Containment

Fire Information: (559) 492-9988
Hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Park Information: (559) 565-3341
Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
CONTENT PROVIDED BY INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM

NOTE: We have edited the content to exclude information that is pertinent to social media users only. Additions by the Three Rivers Together team are in brackets.

CURRENT SITUATION: Yesterday, helitankers continued retardant drops from Horse Creek to the East Fork Kaweah River. In the Southeast, crews systematically gridded the area, searching for hotspots, and mop-up operations and equipment backhaul continued along the southern flank. Firefighters advanced deeper into the area south of Salt Creek Ridge, where air operations supported their efforts with water drops on hot spots. In the north, crews continue to prep Mineral King including water tenders applying retardant on the north side of the road. Firefighters continued to patrol and mop-up any areas where the fire breached control lines last week on the fire’s western flank.

Today, firefighters will patrol, strengthen, and mop-up the handline east of Scratch Creek. Crews will work to enhance indirect handlines from Horse Creek to the East Fork Kaweah River as the fire moves closer to control lines. Air operations will provide targeted water drops to support crews spiked near Eden Creek. Road preparation efforts continue along Mineral King Road, heading east toward Silver City. Additional air support, using bucket drops, will help slow the fire’s progression and reduce its intensity as it backs into the East Fork Kaweah River and Horse Creek. On the western flank, crews will focus on backhauling equipment and mitigating hazardous trees.

WEATHER: A weak area of low pressure is moving into northern California, which will cause slightly cooler temperatures. However, the weather will stay dry. Winds will generally come from the southwest, but upslope and up-canyon winds are expected to start mid-morning.

SMOKE IMPACTS: Expect similar smoke impacts today in areas closest to the fire. Hammond and Three Rivers will remain in the MODERATE air quality range throughout the day. Giant Forest will experience MODERATE air quality by mid-day, with clearing to GOOD air quality by late afternoon. Areas farther north and east will stay in the GOOD air quality range. Pinehurst and Springville will continue to see MODERATE conditions. For more information on current wildfire smoke impacts in your community, please visit AirNow.gov or fire.airnow.gov. [NOTE FROM THREE RIVERS TOGETHER: For additional information on the air quality in Three Rivers locations, visit Purple Air. A monitor has recently been installed on South Fork.]

EVACUATION NOTICES: The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office has issued Evacuation ORDERS due to current fire conditions for Genasys zones TLC-E094-C, TLC-E094-E, TLC-E094-D, and TLC-E094-B. An evacuation ORDER, also known as a mandatory evacuation, means that all residents and visitors should leave now before the fire reaches the community. If you are unable to evacuate and require assistance, please call 9-1-1. In case of sheltering needs or questions regarding sheltering, please contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.

The Tulare County Fire Department has also issued Evacuation WARNINGS for zones TLC-E093-A, TLC-E093-B, TLC-E095, and TLC-E128-A. To find your zone, please refer to: protect.genasys.com.

[NOTE FROM THREE RIVERS TOGETHER: Because people have found the Genasys map challenging, the Three Rivers Together team has been creating a map that includes the community boundaries, structures, and familiar landmarks. To view this map, go to https://3rtogether.org/map/.]

FIRE INFORMATION: A Public Information Officer will be at the Three Rivers Village Market daily from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM to provide fire information and answer questions.

BLM AND PARK CLOSURES: The portion of South Fork Drive in Sequoia National Park and trails accessed from the road, including the Lady Bug and Garfield Grove Trails, are closed until further notice. You can view all Park closure information online at nps.gov/seki . The Bureau of Land Management has also issued a closure of the Case Mountain Extensive Recreation Management Area at blm.gov/press-release.

PUBLIC NOTICE: Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t. For more information, visit knowbeforeyoufly.org.