A firefighter was injured as a rapidly growing wildfire scorched 2,231 acres, prompting extensive firefighting efforts and evacuation warnings in affected areas. (InciWeb)
- A firefighter was injured battling a wildfire that has burned 2,231 acres and remains 0% contained.
- CalFire has deployed 615 personnel, including engines, water tenders, helicopters, and bulldozers, to fight the blaze.
- Residents in specific TLC zones are under evacuation warnings, with authorities advising preparedness and caution.
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A firefighter was injured while battling a rapidly growing wildfire that has scorched 2,231 acres, CalFire reported Thursday morning.
The blaze, which remains at 0% containment, has prompted the deployment of additional resources to combat the flames. Currently, 19 structures are threatened by the fire, which has intensified under dry and windy conditions.
To support firefighting efforts, Cal Fire has mobilized two engines, three water tenders, seven helicopters, 10 bulldozers, 18 hand crews, and a total of 615 personnel on the ground.
The injured firefighter’s condition was not immediately disclosed, and no further details were provided.
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Authorities are urging residents in the affected area to remain vigilant and follow any evacuation orders or advisories.
The Current Focus
Crews are working along Salt Creek Road, clearing brush to reinforce indirect control lines on the west and south flanks of the fire.
A key priority for firefighters is protecting the giant sequoia groves near Case Mountain. To reduce the fire’s intensity in these sensitive areas, crews are removing vegetation surrounding the groves. Six hotshot crews are working alongside other teams to secure ridges and roads that have been identified as important control features.
In the coming days, firefighters will continue clearing vegetation along Cinnamon Gap and Mineral King Roads to strengthen containment lines and protect nearby communities.
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Evacuation Warnings
An Evacuation Warning been issued for TLC Zones TLC-E128-B and TLC-E094-B, covering the area north of South Fork Drive, east of Skyline Drive, south of Mineral King Road, and west of the national park boundary. Residents should prepare to evacuate if the fire threatens their homes or if instructed to do so, authorities said. Stay clear of affected areas, and call 911 in emergencies.
For more information, contact the Fire Information line at (559) 492-9988 and frequently check this Facebook page for updates.
Weather, Smoke, and Closures
Even cooler conditions are expected on Thursday as a cold front moves through. Warmer temperatures with lower humidity are likely to return next week. The colder weather will bring in clouds that will help trap smoke closer to the surface.
Air quality near Three Rivers increasingly worse as the weekend approaches. Residents sensitive to air quality should limit outdoor activities. For current wildfire smoke impacts, visit AirNow.gov or fire.airnow.gov.
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Highway 198, Mineral King Road, and Generals Highway in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks remain open. However, due to ongoing work with heavy equipment on Mineral King Road, expect delays of up to 30 minutes and plan your travel accordingly. Visitors are advised to exercise caution, stay alert, and drive slowly.
The portion of South Fork Road in Sequoia National Park and trails accessed from the road, including the Lady Bug and Garfield Grove Trails, are closed until further notice due to the proximity of the Coffee Pot Fire. Additionally, the Bureau of Land Management has temporarily closed the Case Mountain Extensive Recreation Management Area.
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