1:30 p.m. PDT Oct. 5, 2021
KNP Complex map, north side. The red line was the perimeter at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4, 2021. The green areas are the APPROXIMATE locations of groves of giant sequoias.On Monday the KNP Complex of fires in Sequoia National Park, pushed by 55 mph winds, crossed Generals Highway about a mile east of Wilsonia. The extreme fire behavior forced firefighters to temporarily move to safer locations. The additional growth resulted in the fire becoming well established in Redwood Creek and burning much of the Redwood Mountain Grove, which is the largest grove of giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) trees on earth. It contains the world’s tallest giant sequoia, 312 feet (95 meters). The amount of mortality of the sequoias is unknown at this point.
At least two very large pyrocumulus convection columns of smoke were seen Monday on the north side of the fire that rose to more than 32,000 feet, indicating extreme fire behavior.
This additional growth threatens Hartland, Quail Flat, Wilsonia, and Grant Grove. Firefighters are doing what they can to provide structure protection in these locations.
KNP Complex map. The red line was the perimeter at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4, 2021. The white line was the perimeter about 48 hours before. The green areas are the APPROXIMATE locations of groves of giant sequoias.The KNP Complex has burned 79,382 acres. Resources assigned include 27 hand crews, 90 engines, 35 water tenders, 18 dozers, and 13 helicopters for a total of 1,566 personnel.
On the southern side of the fire Monday, firefighters worked along Mineral King Road to contain the spot fires from Sunday night. They also provided structure protection in Silver City and the Mineral King area. Helicopters were able to support ground resources with bucket drops on Monday after the smoke cleared enough to safely fly.
On Tuesday crews are working on control lines to keep the fire out of the communities near the Redwood Mountain Grove on the north side of the blaze.
KNP Complex of fires. Uploaded to InciWeb Oct 4, 2021.
