CA-KNP- Tehipite Fire - 5,554 Acres - 5%

Tehipite Fire Grows to 5,554 Acres

Incident: Tehipite Wildland Fire
Released: 9/12/08 ~ 6:00PM

The interagency Tehipite Fire has grown to 5,554 acres as of Thursday afternoon. Of that acreage, 2,717 acres are within Kings Canyon National Park and 2,837 acres are within the Sierra National Forest. The fire remains active in the Scepter and Horse Creek drainages with fire backing in the Crown Creek drainage toward Kettle Dome. Steep, remote terrain continues to make direct response unsafe for firefighters.

Fire managers constantly consider smoke impacts when managing this fire and realize that the mountain communities near the park and forest may be affected by its smoke. A high pressure system is predicted in the upcoming days that will lead to less favorable smoke dispersal. Fire managers are monitoring smoke emissions in multiple locations and working closely with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District.

Additional new fires locally and in the region may also contribute to smoky conditions. The Cascadel Fire on the Sierra National Forest and the Hidden Fire in Sequoia National Park are high priority fires for these agencies because of their potential for growth and their proximity to development.

Residents and visitors to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks and the Sierra National Forest may be impacted by smoke in the upcoming days, especially for those communities near the Kings River drainage. By taking some basic steps, visitors and residents can reduce their exposure to smoke:

• Stop outdoor activity when smoke is present. Avoid physical exertion.
• Close windows, doors, and outside vents when it is smoky.
• Drink lots of water, eat a balanced diet, and get adequate rest. A healthy immune system is the best protection against the effects of smoke.
• Be diligent about taking any medicines prescribed by your doctor. People with pre-existing respiratory problems like heart or lung disease, asthma, or emphysema are at greater risk from smoke. Consult your healthcare provider for further guidance.
• Consult the local Air Quality Index (AQI) on TV or in newspapers for assistance in planning your daily activities.

Visit http://www.airquality.org/smokeimpact/ for further information.

The Tehipite Fire is located in Tehipite Valley and the cliffs north of the valley in Kings Canyon National Park and is moving north and east in the John Muir Wilderness of the Sierra National Forest. It is burning in old growth mixed conifer, red fir, lodgepole pine, and live oak between 4,000 - 8,500 feet in elevation in steep cliffs. This wilderness fire started by lightning on or around July 14.

There are no immediate threats to life or property. Firefighters on the Sierra are taking steps to protect the Deer Meadow cabin, the Johnson Meadow cabins, and the Crown Valley Guard Station. As a safety measure:

• The trail between Simpson Meadow and the park boundary remains closed
• The Blue Canyon Trail is closed at the park boundary

To view the fire, visit http://sierrafire.cr.usgs.gov/cgi-bin/swfrs display webcam lm.pl camera=buck rock 1.