The moon shines through the smoke caused by the Coffee Pot Fire. (X/KristyTallman)
- Two firefighters injured as Coffee Pot Fire grows to 2,683 acres with 0% containment.
- Response includes 791 personnel, four engines, four water tenders, seven helicopters, 11 dozers, and 19 hand crews.
- Areas north of South Fork Drive and east of Skyline Drive under evacuation warning.
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CalFire reported early Friday morning that two firefighters have been injured in the battle against the Coffee Pot Fire.
The response to the Tulare County wildfire now includes four engines, four water tenders, seven helicopters, 11 dozers, 19 hand crews, and a total of 791 personnel. Despite their efforts, containment remains at 0% and the fire has expanded to 2,683 acres.
Related Story: Firefighter Injured as Coffee Pot Fire Scorches 2,231 Acres With 0% Containment
Current Situation
The fire is shifting from dense forest to brush and grass, which may reduce its intensity, authorities said.
On Friday, crews will prepare Mineral King and Cinnamon Gap Roads as indirect control lines along the north flank. They will also work to contain the fire’s progress in the southeast by connecting control lines with natural barriers like rock outcroppings, streams, and previous burn scars.
Crews are also working in northwestern giant sequoia groves, clearing timber around the trees to lessen fire intensity. Firefighters conducted a strategic aerial firing operation near Eden Grove to moderate the main fire’s impact on the grove. Resource advisors from Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will assess the effects on the groves when it is safe, the incident response team said.
Related Story: Coffee Pot Fire Grows in Tulare County, Needs Even More Suppression Resources
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
Residents sensitive to air quality should limit outdoor activities. For current wildfire smoke impacts, visit AirNow.gov or fire.airnow.gov.
Related Story: Tulare County’s Coffee Pot Fire Prompts Increased Resources, New Evacuation ...
Highway 198, Mineral King Road, and Generals Highway in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are open. Expect 30-minute delays on Mineral King Road due to heavy equipment and personnel. Visitors should 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.
Operational Update on Coffee Pot Fire
