"Hidden Fire" Continues To Burn In Sequoia National Park

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on September 18, 2008 - 9:47am

A lightning strike is responsible for the Hidden Fire in Sequoia National Park.

A lightning-sparked fire continues to burn in Sequoia National Park. Covering more than 800 acres and forcing the closure of Crystal Cave, the fire is only about 30 percent contained.

The fire was started September 10 in an area of the park about 12 miles north-northeast of Three Rivers, California.

The fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain and dry, receptive fuels. Crews reportedly are making good progress on the north side of the fire, and are heavily supported by air resources. They are beginning to build indirect fire line on the east flank of the fire in order to stop it at Generals Highway. Brushing (clearing hazard fuels) and thinning will begin today in preparation for proactive burning operations (firing operations) along the road.

In addition to the closure of Crystal Cave and Crystal Cave Road, officials have closed the Muir Grove Trail from the trailhead at the Dorst Campground.

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Comments

Submitted by Barky on September 18, 2008 - 4:37pm.

Anyone who's been to Sequoia knows that fire plays an intricate part in the health and survival of the great trees.

I hope no one has been hurt in this blaze, I hope it doesn't damage park facilities, and it's a shame that some people who travelled to the park are now out of luck, but a fire at a park is not necessarily the bad thing. Plus, Mother Nature likes to mess with us from time to time.

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My travels through the National Park System: americaincontext.com

Submitted by John (not verified) on September 19, 2008 - 1:09pm.

I agree with paul. The trees are very sensitive to outside interference and fires are a big hazard.

We need to protect these national treasures.

Submitted by Seiwu (not verified) on September 20, 2008 - 10:48am.

Hmmm? I think Paul was commenting on how fire is good for Sequoias, which it is. They are sensitive mostly to the outside influence of human interference. To truly protect their future survival, allowing a fire to run through them would be very useful. They thrive in burned areas. Anybody here know if the fire is in a grove area or at what elevation it is? Good luck Giants - hope you get some cat faces this year!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on September 21, 2008 - 4:54pm.

Yes, the west side of the fire is on the edge of the Skagway grove and is less than a mile from the Muir grove and the Park Ridge grove. The fire is being actively suppressed on the east side which is heading towards the road.

Submitted by nic (not verified) on September 23, 2008 - 1:37pm.

We will never learn. Natural fires need to take a course. As forest are overgrown, the price is being paid. Control instead of suppress. In Yellowstone fires are still extinguished instead of being allowed to burn.

Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on September 23, 2008 - 1:47pm.

Nic,

Not all Yellowstone fires are extinguished. The LeHardy fire that started earlier this summer north of Fishing Bridge was pretty much coaxed into the backcountry and allowed to burn there, although it was fought to prevent it from sliding south to Fishing Bridge.

Submitted by 3RiversResident (not verified) on September 24, 2008 - 2:08pm.

This lightning caused fire is burning in an area that was last burned in 1926. 82 years is a long time to let the fuel load to build up. This heavy fuel load creates a very hot fire that will kill even the fire resistant Giant Sequoia. The survival of this unique species requires much more frequent "cool burning" fires to not allow heavy fuel loads to build up.
Shame on the Federal Agencies that continue to practice "suppression" over "control".