- Cause - Project
- Giant Forest, Sequoia National Park (CA)
- Park Status - Drivers must obey posted speed limits near the fire operations for their own safety as well as the safety of firefighters. There are trail closures associated with the project.
Acreage - 42 acres
Estimated completion date is August 4th.
Overview
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks announce plans to complete the Crescent Meadow Prescribed Fire on Tuesday, August 4, weather and air quality conditions permitting. This 42 acre unit is located in the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park and should take one day to complete. This project provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to witness how fire encourages giant sequoia germination and provides a healthier habitat for these trees. The parks’ Fire Place will be placed at Crescent Meadow to provide enhanced educational activities for visitors during the prescribed fire. Opportunities to safely view the fire will exist from nearby trails.
Vegetation affected
Mices conifer-- giant sequoias, white fir, sugar pine
Air/smoke issues
Visitors should expect to see smoke in the area during ignitions.
Benefits of the burn
This unit was last treated by prescribed fire in 1984 so completion of the project maintains a natural fire cycle for the mixed conifer forest. A regular fire cycle improves forest health by reducing the amount of dead, woody debris that can lead to larger, more intense fires. Fire aids the sprouting and re-growth of plants, shrubs, and trees and creates a diverse habitat for plant and animals. Giant sequoias are fire adapted and thrive in naturally cycling fire. Fire opens the cones, and releases the tiny seeds to the nutrient rich ash and mineral soil below—ideal conditions for this tree’s germination. Fire thins competing vegetation and trees and opens the canopy for this sun-loving species.
