Due to the recent power outage and extreme heat, Tulare County will be distributing water from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Three Rivers Memorial Building at 43490 Sierra Drive. The building will be open to those who are still without power and need a place to cool down until 7:00 p.m. Note that the Three Rivers Branch Library is also a cooling center.
Announcements
The road between Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is now open and passable in both lanes of traffic after an emergency road repair was completed Tuesday evening. A sink hole near Stony Creek in the Sequoia National Forest had become visible in one lane of traffic on the Generals Highway with an undermined roadway across both lanes. The hole is temporarily repaired with gravel and work is planned to continue this week to permanently repair the roadway with asphalt. During the continued roadwork travelers can expect a single lane closure in the work area. Travelers are encouraged to drive cautiously and observe road work signs in the area. For current road conditions please call 559-565-3341.
The road between Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks is closed for emergency road repair. A sink hole near Stoney Creek in the Sequoia National Forest has become visible in one lane of traffic on the Generals Highway and there is undermined roadway across both lanes. The hole is near a roadway area that was severely damaged during winter storms in 2023. Crews will attempt to make repairs tonight, but it is unclear whether the road will be reopened by tomorrow. For current road conditions please call 559-565-3341.
Barbara Timlake Crain spent years maintaining a volunteer ambulance service for our community. She took pride in the history of the Community Presbyterian Church where she served as a Deacon, Elder, and Sunday School teacher. She was a charter member of the Three Rivers Historical Society, and also a member of the Three Rivers Woman’s Club, Three Rivers Lions Club “Lady Lions”, Tulare County Historical Society and Tulare County Panhellenic Association.. A Celebration of Life service will be held at St. Anthony Retreat in Three Rivers on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
With temperatures rising, Cal Fire is increasing the number of staff at the Three Rivers station and is expecting the fire risk to transition to critical levels. With that in mind, the Three Rivers Fire Safe Council and the Tulare County Red Cross are co-hosting a Wildfire Preparedness Event on June 15th from noon to 3pm at the Memorial Building. There will be informational booths and refreshments for sale to support our local schools. Click link above for more details, as well as wildfire preparedness guidance.
In the past week alone, two swift water rescues have already occurred at the Marble Fork of the Kaweah River. Park officials stress the importance of staying away from rivers, which pose significant risks, specifically due to swift water and slick granite rocks. Click the link above for details and guidance.
An excessive heat watch in effect from Wednesday morning through Thursday evening. Dangerously hot conditions are expected, with daytime temperatures currently expected to reach up to 106 degrees in Three Rivers. The Three Rivers Branch Library is our local cooling center. Click the link above for more information.
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks entered stage 1 fire restrictions at 6:00 a.m. on Friday, May 31, 2024. Stage 1 fire restrictions prohibit wood and charcoal fires, including wood burning stoves, at elevations of 3,000 feet and below. Campground and picnic areas that are affected include Potwisha Campground, and the Hospital Rock and Foothills Picnic Areas. Click on the link above for more details.
Firefighters plan to begin ignitions on the 2024 Ash Mountain Prescribed Burn in the foothills of Sequoia National Park on Sunday, June 2. Two days of ignitions are planned. This project consists of 19 acres of broadcast prescribed burning and an additional 20 acres of non-fire fuels reduction. Smoke impacts are expected to be localized and relatively brief. Click on the link above for more details.
In preparation for the start of the 2024 Wildland Fire Season, the Tulare County Fire Department in conjunction with Cal-Fire Tulare Unit will be hosting a wildfire preparedness exercise in the community of Three Rivers and near the community of Woodlake on May 30th and 31st. Multiple fire engines, crews, and smoke are expected. Click the link above for more information, including locations.
Memorial Day weekend is considered the summer “kick-off” for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and the parks are expected to be exceptionally busy. Trip-planning is essential for a safe and enjoyable visit. Click the link above for information on planning holiday weekend trips! Of note, the Mineral King Road is opening to the public on Friday May 24th. Cedar Grove and Crystal Cave remain closed.
Mineral King Road remains closed to the public. Cabin owners and authorized individuals may use the road; however, construction beginning on Wednesday, May 15th is expected to result in road closures and 30-minute construction delays until end of June. Click on title for details.