Tuesday Morning Update on Coffeepot Fire

Posted 4 months ago by A member of the 3RTogether Team

The Coffeepot Fire Has Grown To 1305 Acres

Today’s Priority is Building Containment Lines on West and South Flanks

CURRENT SITUATION: Fire activity picked up yesterday as flames continued to move through the understory of heavy brush and ground fuels, including some downhill rollouts and short uphill runs. The south flank of the fire has reached Surprise Grove and begun burning through the giant sequoias. Along the west flank, flames are nearing the Coffee Pot Unit of giant sequoias. Resource advisors remain onsite to assist with efforts to protect these iconic groves.

Today’s priority remains building containment lines along the west and south flanks adjacent to the fire’s perimeter. Crews and heavy equipment are constructing an indirect fireline from South Fork Drive heading north on Soda Creek Road toward Cinnamon Gap. Firefighters will also continue constructing an indirect handline from the Lady Bug Trail near the South Fork Campground towards Homers Nose. Additionally, water-dropping aircraft called “scoopers” will be utilized for today’s operations and may be seen near Lake Kaweah and Lake Success.

WEATHER: Temperatures today will be similar to yesterday. Humidity will remain relatively low with poor overnight recoveries expected for the next 48 hours. Dry conditions are expected to last through Thursday. There continues to be no rain in the forecast.

SMOKE IMPACTS: Today’s air quality index near Three Rivers, CA, will be moderate to poor. People sensitive to poor air quality should consider reducing outside activity. For more information on current wildfire smoke impacts in your community, please visit AirNow.gov or fire.airnow.gov.

ROAD AND TRAIL IMPACTS: Highway 198 and the Generals Highway in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are open. The Mineral King Road is also open. Park Superintendent Clay Jordan requests that visitors use caution while driving in the area to ensure the safety of firefighters working in the area.

BLM AND PARK CLOSURES: The portion of South Fork Road in Sequoia National Park and trails accessed from the road, including the Lady Bug and Garfield Grove Trails, are closed until further notice due to the proximity of the Coffee Pot Fire. You can view all Park closure information online at: https://www.nps.gov/seki/learn/management/superintendent-s-compendium.htm. The Bureau of Land Management has also issued a closure of the Case Mountain Extensive Recreation Management Area.

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