Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Fire Update

Sheep Fire Grows to 177 Acres; Don Cecil Trail in Park Closes

A helicopter reconnaissance on Thursday mapped the Sheep Fire at 177 acres. Growth was along its northern and western flanks, making the fire quite visible in Cedar Grove. There are currently no threats to life or property.

The Don Cecil Trail in Kings Canyon National Park (from the trailhead at Cedar Grove to the park boundary) is closed effective today for public safety in anticipation of the fire approaching the trail. The trail closure is in effect until further notice.

This fire is located in Kings Canyon National Park in the southern cliffs above Cedar Grove, one-half mile north of Sentinel Ridge. It is in a mixed conifer forest and at 7,000 feet in elevation. Fire behavior includes creeping, backing fire with some isolated active pockets. It was started by lightning on or about July 16th.

Smoke from the Sheep Fire is visible in Cedar Grove. Visitors to the Cedar Grove area should anticipate smoke settling into the valley in the late evening and early morning hours. This is based upon inversion patterns that hold the smoke in the valley. As the day warms and the inversion breaks, smoke should lift out of the valley.

As with all fires, managers will make a determination on how to handle each fire based on its location, elevation, potential for spread, fuels, and other variables. Lightning fires that can be safely managed promote forest health. Regular lightning fires limit the size and severity of subsequent fires and help to create a mosaic of diverse habitats for plants and animals.

http://www.nps.gov/seki/fire/fireinfo/current.htm