Hidden Fire
SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, CA
Wildland Fire

Started on or about
09/10/2008

Status as of
09/24/2008

Cause
Natural

Location
North of Ash Mountain in Sequoia National Park (CA)

Acreage Burned
3,693

Percent Contained
90%

Resources Committed
491 personnel, 4 helicopters.

Estimated Containment Date
September 30

Park Status
Park managers have closed Crystal Cave, a popular visitor attraction the park. Public safety is a concern as the fire grows closer to the cave. The Crystal Cave Road is closed at the Generals Highway. Additionally, the trail to the Muir Grove (trailhead located at Dorst Campground) is closed. The Colony Mill Road has an advisory posted at the North Fork Drive trailhead advising that the road will be closed ahead because of fire danger. Generals Highway may have delays and temporary closures starting September 20 for firing operations along the road.

Updates on Fire
Fire crews made excellent progress yesterday and nearly completed fire lines around the fire perimeter. Today firefighters will continue strengthening these containment lines. Residents and visitors can expect to see and encounter smoke as the fire burns inward from the perimeter consuming the remaining unburned fuels. Southern California Interagency Management Team 1 will turn the fire back to the National Park Service today at 6:00 pm.

Overview
Firefighters are considering indirect fireline options because of the steep, inaccessible terrain. The fire is highly visible from nearby communities including Three Rivers, Lemon Cove, and Badger. Residents in these areas should anticipate smoke, especially in the morning hours when down canyon winds will pull the smoke to lower elevations.

Last 24-hour Activity
Warmer and drier conditions have led to more active burning.

Strategy
Fireline is constucted around most of the perimeter. There is still fuel within the interior of the containment line that will continue to burn throughout the next several days.

Vegetation Affected
Dry Mixed conifer (Douglas-fir and ponderosa pine)

Air / Smoke Issues
Heavy smoke may be present in many areas of the park. In order to minimize impacts from smoke, please: • Close windows, especially at night when the air tends to settle • Use the recirculation option in your car to prevent smoke from entering your vehicle • Avoid prolonged exertion when heavy smoke is present, especially if you are sensitive to smoke impacts.

Partners Involved
SoCal Team 1 has transitioned the management of the fire to a NPS incident command team.

Contact Information
Deb Schweizer or Alex Olow
Phone Number: 559-565-3703 or 559-565-4287
debra_schweizer@nps.gov, alex_olow@nps.gov