KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Calif. November 2, 2015 –Starting tomorrow, fire crews in Grant Grove will be burning the vegetation piles that have been stacked since this summer. With the snow that has fallen today and another storm system expected in the next week, crews are able to work at an efficient and safe pace to get the work accomplished.

This is part of continuing efforts to reduce hazardous fuels in and around the Grant Grove Peninsula. Part of the work being completed is tied to the Resilient Landscapes Program –a U.S. Department of the Interior initiative that works to enhance defensible space for communities and facilities, such as those in the Grant Grove area.

Totaling an area approximately 46 acres in size, the nearly 275 piles will be burned over a roughly two-week period. The plan is to start near the fire station and the adjacent road by systemically moving through the area.

Locations that have piles include: areas around Grant Grove Village, the visitor center, campgrounds, and Wilsonia Village. Vegetation piles in campgrounds will be addressed during the week to minimize impacts to visitors.

Smoke impacts are expected to be localized to the Grant Grove area. With work taking place during daylight hours, visitors and residents are advised to close windows during the day if sensitive to smoke. Additionally, please watch for fire personnel along the road, changes in smoke, and local conditions.

I still think a tub grinder would be better, and faster.