Fires intensify in Sequoia National Forest, USFS says

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – Two lightning-borne fires that started in the Sequoia National Forest on Saturday have significantly intensified since Tuesday.

The Trout Fire burning east of Johnsondale has grown to 7,582 acres as of Wednesday morning per the National Interagency Fire Center . The fire remains active around its entire perimeter, but firefighters are prioritizing efforts to prevent western spread. Crews have also been scouting and working on the northeast corner of the fire near the Bald Mountain lookout.

The Forest Service says wildland personnel detected an additional fourth fire on Tuesday. The Long Fire is the latest fire to be added to the 2024 SQF Lightning Incident and is currently burning in the Domeland Wilderness near Palome Creek and the South Fork of the Kern River. As of Wednesday morning, it was 888 acres and 0% contained.

Fire personnel say great progress has been made on securing the Acorn and Packsaddle Fires. The Acorn Fire is 5 acres and 80% contained, and the Paddlesack Fire is 47 acres 50% contained.

Officials say due to the sizes and containment levels, the Acorn and Packsaddle fires have been moved into patrol status. All crews and resources are now being directed to the Trout and Long Fires.

Roads, trails, and recreation sites around the Trout, Long, and Packsaddle Fires are temporarily closed, according to forest staff. A map of the restricted areas can be found on the Sequoia National Forest’s Forest Orders webpage.

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