After water drops did little good, retardant drops were called in for the Horse Creek Fire in Sequoia National Park/NPS
A wildfire deep in the backcountry of Sequoia National Park was being aggressively fought Sunday due to the extremely dry conditions in the Sierra, with air tankers being called in to dump retardant on the flames.
Though the Horse Creek Fire was only about 30 acres in size, firefighters on Saturday used water drops in a bid to douse the flames, but they had little effect in containing the blaze, according to a park release. Chemical retardant drops later Saturday seemed to have been successful in restraining the fire's growth, however.
Firefighters were taking full suppression action on this fire despite its location in official wilderness. Due to the extremely steep terrain, dense forest and brush, large amount of tree mortality, and lack of trail access, the lightning-caused fire posed challenges for ground operations, a park release said.
The fire was highly visible for several miles on the south side of the Mineral King Road. The Mineral King Valley has been seeing an increased amount of smoke, especially overnight. Due to this and the increased amount of fire personnel traffic on the Mineral King Road:
- Effective Monday, July 23, wilderness permit holders will not be able to start any trips until further notice. Walk-up permits will not be issued. Visitors currently on wilderness trips will be allowed to exit as planned.
- The Atwell-Hockett Trail and the Tar Gap Trail remain closed.
- Mineral King Campgrounds remain open but could close with little notice based on changes in fire behavior, smoke, and air quality.
- Only day-hiking is permitted on open trails.
As of Sunday, neither the Mineral King Road nor any structures were directly threatened by the fire, and the road was open. However, visitors were strongly encouraged to consider recreation options other than Mineral King in order to minimize traffic on the road.
Horse Creek Fire locator map, Sequoia National Park/NPS
Stories about:
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
National parks and their natural resources belong to you. The National Parks Traveler works to ensure you know how these essential places are being cared for.
Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter
Unsubscribe at any time.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
