Cabin Fire in Tulare County continues to burn in the Golden Trout Wilderness

FRESNO, Calif. -- A wildfire burning in the Tulare County high country east of Visalia is still at zero percent containment.

The fire has burned 4,300 acres in the Golden Trout Wilderness. More than 400 firefighters are trying to stop the flames. The fire started almost three weeks ago by lightning.

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Cabin Fire Information

The Cabin Fire, located in the Golden Trout Wilderness on the Western Divide Ranger District in Sequoia National Forest, has spread to 4,294 acres (latest infrared map 8/4/15).

Fire officials plan to stop the spread of the fire to the north by utilizing the area where the Lion Fire burned in 2011, along Pecks Canyon as a holding line. To the south, the area burned by the Soda Fire in 2014, should slow it down along Mountaineer Creek.

Crews were able to use chainsaws along the Summit Trail to the west and Mountaineer Trail to the south of the fire to improve trail conditions to use as holding lines if needed. A secondary line is being constructed along the Summit Trail.

Portions of the Golden Trout Wilderness are closed; a map of the closure area and additional fire information can be found on this website under the maps tab. If you are planning a backcountry trip into the Golden Trout Wilderness please call for trail status before you leave home. Please call (559) 462-0088 Monday through Sunday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. for latest fire and weather updates.

Current Situation

Size: 4,294 acres

Containment: 0%

Total Personnel: 419

Fire behavior was minimized early in the day on Tuesday due to shading from cloud cover. Under these conditions backing fire and low intensity ground fire were present. Once the cloud cover burnt off active surface fire spread with isolated and group torching, as well as some short crown runs were observed where wind, slope and fuels aligned. The biggest push was again near H2 on the southeastern end of the fire. Numerous spot fires associated with the torching are aiding in the fires spread. Spot fires crossed the Little Kern River.

Fire Plan

Firefighters will continue to prepare additional contingency lines on the south and east side of the fire, utilizing the 2014 Soda Fire.

The Lion Fire, 2011 was located North of the Cabin Fire. The Soda Fire, 2014 was located South of the Cabin Fire. Both of these previously burned areas should help slow the growth of the Cabin Fire to the North and to the South. Contingency planning with affected agencies and jurisdictions is ongoing to address structure defense and resident evacuations if communities near the perimeter become threatened.

Weather

Areas of smoke through 1100 then Mostly sunny. Highs 67-76. Minimum relative humidity 17-24%. Wind south to southwest 3-5 mph with gusts to 8 mph.