CFN - CALIFORNIA FIRE NEWS - CAL FIRE NEWS : CA-KNP- Tehipite Fire - 4,337 acres

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

CA-KNP- Tehipite Fire - 4,337 acres - 5%

Tehipite Fire - 4,337 acres - 5% - Tehipite (CA-KNP-0020) The fire has burned 4,337 acres and is 5% contained. The fire is being managed under a confine/contain strategy. Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park is working closely with the Sierra and Sequoia National Forests on long term strategy and planning objectives, 2,353 acres are within Kings Canyon National Park and 1,984 acres are within the Sierra National Forest

Tehipite Fire Photo Buck Rock web cam
Tehipite Fire Photo from Buck Rock web cam 1,
looking towards lookout peak, Tehipite Fire is directly in front of camera
Credit: USGS - sierrafire.cr.usgs.gov - link

Summary

The Tehipite Fire has grown to 4,337 acres as of Monday afternoon. Of that acreage, 2,353 acres are within Kings Canyon National Park and 1,984 acres are within the Sierra National Forest. The park and the forest are working together to manage the fire.

In the last several days, the fire has shown increased activity and growth including within the Scepter and Crown Creek drainages on the Sierra National Forest and northwest of Tehipite Valley and north to Kettle Dome in Kings Canyon National Park.

Backcountry users in Kings Canyon National Park and the Sierra National Forest may experience smoky conditions. Current weather conditions will likely result in eastern dispersal of the smoke. Fire managers are monitoring smoke emissions and working closely with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District.

Basic Information

Incident Type	Wildland Fire
Cause	Lightning
Date of Origin	Monday July 14th, 2008 aprox 12:00 AM
Location	Tehipite Valley in Kings Canyon National Park
Incident Commander	Rosso/mccandliss

Current Situation

Total Personnel	6
Size	4,337 acres
Percent Contained	5%
Estimated Containment Date	Wednesday October 15th, 2008 aprox 12:00 AM
Fuels Involved	Mixed conifer, red fir, lodgepole pine, and live oak.
Fire Behavior	Creeping and smoldering. Fire is primarily spreading as burning material rolls down the steep terrain.
Significant Events	Not available

Outlook

Plans	Routine monitoring.
Terrain Difficulty	Steep cliffs and bluffs
Remarks	There are no immediate threats to life or property. 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.

Blue Canyon and Tehipite Valley Trails Closed

Incident: Tehipite Wildland Fire
Released: 8/19/2008

There are no immediate threats to life or property. As a safety measure:

· The trail between Simpson Meadow and the park boundary through the Tehipite Valley remains closed.

· The Blue Canyon Trail is closed at the park boundary to Big Meadow.

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Tehipite Fire Shows Growth on Northeast Flank

Incident: Tehipite Wildland Fire
Released: 8/19/2008

The Tehipite Fire is showing continued growth on its northeast flank. It was mapped at 978 acres yesterday 08/18/08.

Fire spread is primarily from burning vegetation rolling down the steep slopes and then spreading fire outside the perimeter. The fire continues to hook around its perimeter on the eastern side and spread uphill. Favorable fire behavior is being observed.

The fire is being monitored by two firefighters near the fire, by fire look-outs at Buck Rock, by viewing the Buck Rock web cam, and by periodic helicopter flights at this time. Steep, inaccessible terrain presents safety concerns for firefighters. Direct fire response is unsafe along much of the perimeter.

There are no immediate threats to life or property. As a safety measure:

· Thee trail between Simpson Meadow and the park boundary remains closed

· The Blue Canyon Trail is closed at the park boundary to Big Meadow.

Rangers will work with visitors to provide alternative backpacking options for those with itineraries that include Tehipite Valley or Blue Canyon.

The Tehipite Fire is located in Tehipite Valley and the cliffs north and west of the valley in Kings Canyon National Park. It is burning in old growth mixed conifer, red fir, and live oak between 4,000 - 7,400 feet in elevation in steep bluffs and cliffs. The fire started by lightning on or around July 14.

Fire is an essential part of Sierra Forest ecology. Plants and animals have adapted to periodic low intensity fires that occur naturally here. Each year, lightning strikes result in wildland fires that help shape the wilderness. Naturally occurring fire allows forests to be thinned, opening the canopy and allowing sunlight through which allows for the sprouting and re-growth of plants, shrubs and trees.

Visit http://sierrafire.cr.usgs.gov/output/swfrs/webcams/buck_rock_1/buck_rock_1.jpg to view the fire.

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