KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Calif. October 20, 2017 – Fire staff completed ignitions on the last segment of the Cedar East Prescribed Burn unit this afternoon, for a total of 179 acres treated since Tuesday. The difference from the planned total acreage of 192 for this segment is due to variable weather that created good conditions for prescribed burning in some parts of the unit, and less favorable conditions in others.

This segment of the Cedar East Prescribed burn is a continuation of the 424-acre treatment that was performed in April of 2017, bringing the project’s total acreage to 603. This prescribed burn is intended to reduce hazardous fuel loading and restore/maintain the natural fire cycle in Cedar Grove.

“This prescribed burn is bringing fire back to a section of Cedar Grove that hasn’t seen fire for many years,” says Incident Commander Ben Jacobs. “In addition to improving the overall health of the watershed, prescribed burning also helps to reduce the risk posed by large wildfires, because we’re removing a lot of this accumulated fuel under planned conditions, on our terms.”

The south side of the Kanawyer Loop Trail remains closed during the burn-down period, during which the area will be regularly patrolled by firefighters. Visitors hiking near the area may see smoke and/or areas of active flame, as the fuels inside the unit are consumed, and are asked to exercise caution, stay on trails, and observe signage and directions from park staff. All facilities such as campgrounds, lodges, and public areas remain on schedule for previously determined closing dates.

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5162/