KNP Complex Fire: More evacuations issued in Tulare County as fire in Sequoia National Park grows

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Tulare County Sheriff's Office has issued more evacuation orders as the KNP Complex Fire continues to grow within the Sequoia National Park.

Sheriff's officials say residents living in the community of Sycamore must leave now as the wildfire poses an immediate threat to life and properties.

Evacuations are also in effect for all of Three Rivers from Mineral King Drive to the Sequoia National Park Boundary. That includes structures along both sides of Highway 198.

It also includes Oak Grove Bridge down to Highway 198, including Sierra King Driver, Crest Lane, Hammond Drive and Oak Grove Drive.

Evacuation warnings are also in effect for Old Three Rivers Road and Blossom Drive to South Fork Drive up to Highway 198 to Mineral King Drive, including North Fork Drive.

Warnings are also in place for all structures within the Edison Dr., Cherokee Oaks Dr., Crystal Dr., Grouse Dr., Elk Dr., Meadow Dr., Quail Dr., Oak Ridge Dr., Ferndale Dr., Terminus Dr., Pierce Dr., Red Tail Lane.

These new orders and warnings were issued in addition to the existing evacuation orders for communities along Mineral King Road.

An evacuation center has been set up at the Exeter Memorial Building located at 324 N. Kaweah Ave. in Exeter.

The Red Cross is set up and ready to provide food, water and resources to those who have been displaced by the fire.

Anyone in need of assistance can call 211.

Health officials have issued an air quality advisory for the Central Valley as the KNP Complex Fire burns in the Sequoia National Park.

The Valley Air District warned residents in Fresno, Kings, Tulare and Kern counties will be impacted by smoke. They said residents should limit their time outdoors to reduce exposure to particulate matter.

Last week, a lightning storm triggered multiple fires within the forest, the Cabin, Paradise and Colony Fires, which combined to form the KNP Complex. The wildfire has burned 5,861 acres and remains 0% contained, U.S. Forest officials reported Tuesday.

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Fire officials said the Paradise Fire crossed across the Generals Highway and is inaccessible from the ground. Crews have been making water drops from the air to try to slow the spread.

Meanwhile, firefighters on the ground were suppressing the Colony Fire, but dead trees are a significant safety concern, officials said.

The Cabin Fire has been suppressed.
A map shows where the fires are burning. The forest's giant sequoias are marked in dark red so that crews can keep a close eye on them and keep them protected.

"They are not an imminent threat to any of the sequoia groves, but it's a concern for us," Ruggiero said.