FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) --
The Rough Fire is now 25 percent contained and has burned more than 66,000 acres in the Sierra National Forest.The wildfire has now moved away from homes and is nearing some iconic trees. The cost to fight the Rough Fire is now at $32 million and growing. Just one drop of water or fire retardant from a very large air tanker is about $40,000.
Finance Chief Dennis Stevens said, "We're at probably one of the most expensive parts of the fire. I think as we go on and get more containment, there will be less need for the big expensive days."
Firefighters say they're making progress but the nights are not offering the relief they need to put the fire out anytime soon.
Rough Fire Information
The Rough Fire is currently 66,542 acres with 25% containment. There are 2,121 personnel currently assigned to the Rough Fire.
Unusual warm winter temperatures, below average precipitation, and large scale wildfires could become record setting. The high level of bark beetle associated mortality occurring in Sequoia National Forest is not unique, but wide spread throughout Southern Sierra Nevada. The Sequoia National Forest has been experiencing drought effects for a number of years. Tree mortality directly associated with low precipitation is also a factor. Thus increases fire danger. Now include the wide glacial valley featuring tall cliffs become arguably the deepest canyon in North America. It is known to be deeper than the Grand Canyon. Kings Canyon, with a maximum depth of 8200 feet, is one of the deepest canyons in the United States; which make for a very volatile and potentially deadly situation.
Two Community Hazard Reduction Days, sponsored by the Oak to Timber Fire Safe Council and Central Sierra Chamber, will occur at the Pinehurst Chamber. The event will occur from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. today and 10:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m. on Monday August 31st. Please contact Sandy Cates, 559-999-5491, for more information.
The Kings Canyon Visitor Center will be open with modified hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The General Grant Tree, Panoramic Point, park trails, John Muir Lodge, Grant Grove Cabins, restaurant, market, and gift shop are open. All campgrounds in Kings Canyon National Park are now closed until further notice.
Recreation opportunities on the Hume Lake Ranger District have been impacted by the Rough Fire. Developed campgrounds that are open include Stony Creek, Upper Stony Creek, Fir, and Cove Group Campgrounds. Also open are Stony Creek Village Resort and Montecito Lake Resort. Depending on conditions, these recreation sites may be closed for the upcoming Labor Day Holiday.
Fire crews are coordinating closely with agency resource advisors to protect natural and cultural resources at risk in Converse Basin. Approximately 12,000 feet of hose has been placed to protect the Boole Tree, Chicago Stump and sensitive wildlife habitats in that area. Relics of both prehistoric and historic use remain in the grove, but remember; all these items are protected by law and must remain in the woods. The oldest verified sequoia stump is in Converse Basin Grove and is just over 3,200 years old.
The Chicago Stump was originally known as the General Noble Tree. In 1897, it was cut down into sections and reassembled at the Chicago World's Fair. This magnificent display was referred to as the "California Hoax," because of widespread skepticism that a species as big as the giant sequoia ever existed.
The Boole Tree is a giant sequoia in Converse Basin grove in Sequoia National Forest, in the edge of Kings Canyon, 5 miles (8 km) from Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park in the Sierra Nevada in eastern California. Converse Basin used to be a large grove, but was logged of most of its giant sequoias between 1892 and 1918.
Size: 66,542 Acres
Containment: 25 percent
Total Personnel: 2,121
Closures
All campgrounds in Kings Canyon National Park are now closed until further notice. - The Kings Canyon Visitor Center will be open with modified hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. - The General Grant Tree, Panoramic Point, park trails, John Muir Lodge, Grant Grove Cabins, restaurant, market, and gift shop are open.
As the fire spread existing closure orders were expanded to include almost the entire Hume Lake Ranger District. The current closure is defined in Forest Order 15-19, which closes these areas for public safety:
most of the Hume Lake Ranger District from Delilah Rd. on the west to Jennie Lakes and Monarch Wildernesses to the east; and from Hwy 180 in the south to the Forest boundary to the north. (see included map); Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks issued a closure of the Cedar Grove area and the Grant Grove area.
Sierra National Forest issued a closure order for the Rough Fire Area.
Black Rock Campground and Forest Road 11S12 (also called Black Rock Road) is closed between Balch Camp and McKinley Road.
Sequoia National Forest issued a closure order for the Hume Lake Ranger District, Jenny Lakes Wilderness and Monarch Wilderness, including Forest Road 12S01, 12S01E, and 12S19 in the Sequoia Highlands area.
The Hume Lake recreation area is closed, as is Hwy 180 beyond the junction of Hwy 198 (Generals Highway).