Prescribed Fire - Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park

Screen shot todays GeoMac for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Fire Update:
This burn was completed successfully as of today just prior to the rains coming in.

Valley View Prescribed Fire Planned Near Grant Grove

Information: Deb Schweizer 559-565-3703

Fire crews plan to begin ignitions on the Valley View Prescribed Fire near Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park on October 10, weather and air quality conditions permitting.
The 226 acre unit is located north east of Grant Grove Village and composed of mixed conifer and brush.
Ignitions will last approximately three days and will include a combination of hand held drip torches to “blackline” the perimeter and aerial ignitions by helicopter for the interior of the unit.
Fire managers will be re-introducing fire in this area after years of fire exclusion due to suppression policies. A 155 acre unit of this project was completed last year.

The goals of the prescribed fire are twofold:
• Reduce the risk of wildland fire in the Grant Grove area by reducing the amount of dead vegetation that has accumulated over the years and can lead to an unwanted and potentially destructive fire.
• Restore the role of naturally cycling fire into the area. Fire allows forest to be thinned, opening the canopy and allowing sunlight through. It recycles nutrients to the soil while reducing the amount of dead, woody debris. This aids the sprouting and re-growth of plants, shrubs, and trees.

Prescribed fire also helps to create a mosaic of diverse habitats for plants and animals.
Throughout the project, fire managers will work closely with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to manage smoke production and reduce local impacts.

Trail and road closures within the unit will be in effect to ensure visitor and firefighter safety. These include:
• The Panoramic Point Road will be subject to temporary daytime closures and closed at night.
• The Park Ridge Lookout Road will be opened to necessary administrative traffic only. Please coordinate access with fire managers.
• The Manzanita Trail, the Crystal Springs Trail, and the Round Meadow Trail

Park residents and visitors in the area who are sensitive to smoke or have pre-existing respiratory problems should limit their outdoor activities and keep windows closed during the burn. Drink water, eat a balanced diet, and get adequate rest. If you have heart or lung disease, asthma or emphysema, be diligent about following your physician’s instructions. For more information about how to limit exposure to smoke, please visit http://www.airquality.org/smokeimpact/ .