SQF Complex live updates: Three Rivers appears untouched; Sequoia closes; Kings Canyon threatened
As Sequoia National Park closed its gates on Tuesday morning over the SQF Complex fire, the wildfire grew to 107,101 acres.
The fire remains at 12% containment Tuesday, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The blaze is in both Sequoia and Inyo national forests and was caused last month by lightning. It is expected to become fully contained by Sept. 30, according to the forest service.
A combination of little humidity, warm temperatures and winds produced critical fire behavior primarily to the west, according to the forest service update — threatening the community of Springville along with Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks and structures along the west slopes.
Kings Canyon National Park remains open, with limited services due to COVID-19 and air quality advisories.
1 p.m.: How to get help, give help
Families who have been displaced by the SQF Complex Fire and need placement can call 2-1-1 for assistance.
Also, anyone who wishes to donate items to the SQF Complex Fire can do so through the Salvation Army. Bottled water, non-perishable food, and hygiene products can be dropped off at 314 E. San Joaquin in Tulare or 1501 W. Main St. in Visalia.
Families who have been displaced by the SQF Complex Fire can request any of these items by emailing fire@unitedwaytc.org, which will direct them to the Salvation Army.
Monetary donations are also being accepted on the websites for Friends of Tulare County, United Way Tulare County and Red Cross.
Noon: Crew working near Upper Tule Recreation Center
Highway 190 seemed mostly free of fire activity east of Springville heading west toward Camp Nelson, though fire crews were working in areas northeast of the Upper Tule Recreation Center.
Despite thick smoke, flames could be seen at the top of the ridge line across from the Pierpoint store as the popping of fire echoed through the surrounding hills.
9:45 a.m.: Three Rivers appears OK
The town of Three Rivers just south of the entrance to Sequoia National Park seemed nearly untouched Tuesday morning with little signs of fire activity, aside from thick smoke shrouding the surrounding hills.
Some roads were closed and being monitored by Tulare County Sheriff’s Office deputies.
A mandatory evacuation was called Monday for parts of the area out of due caution, officials said, to keep the narrow two-lane routes out of the area as clear as possible.
National Forest closures
On Tuesday, the USDA Forest Service banned the entrance or stay in several national forests, including Inyo, Sierra, Sequoia, Stanislaus, Los Padres, Angeles, San Bernardino and Cleveland. Visitors are also banned from using the roads in those national forests. The emergency fire order will last through Sept. 21.
The Forest Service also banned smoking and using a fire, campfire or stove fire on National Forest system lands within the Pacific Southwest Region over the time period.
Weather forecast in San Joaquin Valley
The weather forecast remains relatively steady in the San Joaquin Valley, according to the National Weather Service. The NWS is predicting south to southwest winds will take more of the smoke out of the region, clearing the path for more sun and slightly warmer temperatures Tuesday. The weather is expected to cool down again in the coming days.
The forest service also predicts “a slight chance for a shower or thunderstorm” on Thursday in the SQF Complex, bringing some relief to the fire.
The air quality in the central Valley has worsened, however, with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District forecasting air quality levels in Fresno at 280 and in Madera at 290. Both fall into the very unhealthy category.
This story was originally published September 15, 2020 at 9:18 AM with the headline "SQF Complex live updates: Three Rivers appears untouched; Sequoia closes; Kings Canyon threatened."