The Coffee Pot Fire in Tulare County has expanded to 3,434 acres and remains at 0% containment, according to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks officials Monday morning.

The fire threatens 19 structures and has injured two firefighters. The response includes six engines, nine water tenders, nine helicopters, 20 bulldozers, 30 hand crews, and a total of 1,029 personnel.

Current Situation

On Sunday, the Coffee Pot Fire grew by 311 acres. Sixty-three percent of primary and indirect control lines are now complete, including those between South Fork Drive and Cinnamon Gap, from Cinnamon Gap to the top of Case Mountain, and along South Fork Drive, incident managers said. Water hoses and pumps have been set up along these lines to support future operations.

The top priority is protecting Three Rivers and nearby areas. Fire crews are working to strengthen and expand indirect control lines on the western and southern flanks. This afternoon, they may initiate a strategic firing operation to test burning conditions near the fire’s edge, away from the control lines. If successful, a strategic firing operation using backing fires to manage intensity and spread will be conducted near Case Mountain and extend to South Fork Drive. This operation is expected to last several weeks.

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

Temperatures are rising while humidity levels are dropping, with officials expecting hotter and drier conditions through mid-week.

The ongoing warm and dry weather will lead to increased smoke production today. The Mineral King area will experience the highest smoke concentrations, with air quality levels shifting from moderate in the morning to unhealthy by this afternoon.

The Giant Forest area is expected to see moderate levels during the day, rising to unhealthy overnight. From Three Rivers to the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Foothills Visitor Center, smoke levels will range from moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups, potentially reaching unhealthy by tonight.

Pinehurst and Springville will also experience moderate conditions today. Smoke impacts are expected to intensify later this week as crews commence strategic firing operations.

For updates on wildfire smoke impacts, visit AirNow.gov or fire.airnow.gov.

Highway 198, Mineral King Road, and Generals Highway in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks remain open, though Mineral King Road is experiencing 30-minute delays due to heavy equipment and personnel. Visitors are advised to exercise caution, stay alert, and drive slowly.

South Fork Road in Sequoia National Park, along with trails accessed from the road, including the Lady Bug and Garfield Grove Trails, are closed until further notice due to the Coffee Pot Fire. Additionally, the Bureau of Land Management has temporarily closed the Case Mountain Extensive Recreation Management Area.

Latest Coffee Pot Fire Operational Update