SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, Calif. Sept. 24, 2020 - Late in August, southern California experienced a surge in lightning activity and ground strikes, resulting in multiple fires across the region. Two of those resulting strikes continue to burn within Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks designated wilderness. The Rattlesnake Fire began on August 16 and is now 4,070 acres. The Moraine Fire started August 21 and is 668 acres with 70% containment.
Both the Rattlesnake and Moraine Fires are burning within designated wilderness and continues to show no threats to human safety or property at this time. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks have dedicated all fire personnel, 19 staff members, to the efforts of fighting the Castle Fire. The SQF Complex, specifically the Castle Fire, is now burning in the park as well as the surrounding area. The SQF Complex is the number one incident in southern California at 143,988 acres with threats to human safety and property. To date, 150 homes have been destroyed and a total of 3,491 people evacuated over the course of this fire alone. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are committed to assist firefighting efforts in every way possible.
Sequoia National Park remains closed at this time due to the SQF Complex. Park management has also implemented an area closure within designated wilderness. Beginning at the south boundary of Sequoia National Park with the intersection of the Great Western Divide, north along the Great Western Divide to Kaweah Gap, southeast to Chagoopa Plateau along the base of the Kaweah Peaks to the Kern Canyon, north to Junction Meadow and the Colby Pass Trail (not included), east along the High Sierra Trail (not included) to the John Muir Trail/PCT (not included), south along the PCT (not included) to the park boundary, and west along the park boundary back to the point of origin.
Before visiting Kings Canyon National Park, please look at the air quality at fire.airnow.gov
To learn more about the fires, please visit inciweb.nwcg.gov and click Rattlesnake, Moraine or SQF Complex Fires.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
