KNP Complex Fire: More evacuation warnings issued in Tulare County; smoke affecting Valley air
The massive KNP Complex Fire has charred more than 28,000 acres with zero containment.
SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Tulare County Sheriff's Office has issued more evacuation warnings due to the massive KNP Complex Fire burning in the Sequoia National Forest.
It was announced Wednesday night that Gov. Gavin Newsom will be visiting the site of the fire Thursday morning. Newsom is expected to sign a $15 billion climate package.
Evacuations warnings are now in effect for Eshom and Heartland Camp, including Eshom Valley Drive, from Fresno County Line, South to Tarbell Pocket on Eshom Valley Drive, and North Mountain Road, 468 North to the County line.
Meanwhile, mandatory evacuations are also still in effect for a portion of Three Rivers from Mineral King Drive to the Sequoia National Park Boundary.
Mineral King Road is closed. At this time, there have been no changes to the evacuation warnings or orders.
The wildfire that was sparked by lightning has now charred more than 28,000 acres with zero containment.
An air quality alert from the National Weather Service remains in place for the Central Valley as the smoke from the fire moves into the region.
The air quality alert is in effect until Thursday morning. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District is warning residents impacted by the smoke to remain indoors as much as possible.
Officials say the smoky conditions made it impossible to fly any helicopters or airplanes to attack the blaze on Tuesday, but there is an upside to the haze.
RELATED: KNP Complex: 4 famous giant trees unharmed by Sequoia National Park wildfire
"The smoke keeps the humidity up and temperatures down, so it kind of puts a lid on the fire so the activity isn't intense," says KNP Complex Fire PIO Mark Garrett. "If that smoke cleared and we had blue skies, sun and wind on the fire, that is a more challenge for firefighters on the ground, but that also gives helicopters to get in the air and assist those folks. So it is a balance either way."
Officials say the fire intensity was reduced as it moved into areas where prescribed fire treatments were previously completed in the Giant Forest area. That proactive work has helped to protect the iconic sequoia trees.
"If you have a landscape that's healthy and it's been treated over several decades, that fire behavior can be really intense," Garrett said. "But once it meets that footprint of the prescribed burn, the behavior changes, the flame length drops down and it gives firefighters really a chance to really attack it and manage it much more easily."
On Tuesday, Kings Canyon National Park closed its gates as the wildfire continued to grow. Sequoia National Park shut its gates last week, and other areas of the Sequoia National Forest are closed to the public through the end of the year, including Big Meadows and the Hume Lake area.
Information Officer Mark Garrett said nearly one thousand personnel from across the country are working this fire, 24 hours a day. Their top priority is protecting lives and infrastructure, followed by the trees.
"Folks are really happy to be here and be a part of this fire just cuz we are protecting the iconic trees, so I think spirits are high," Garrett said. "We haven't lost any structures. We don't have any injuries. We don't have any sequoias that are burning so all in all, I think we are looking pretty good."
