SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK, California – The Coffeepot Fire in California’s Sequoia National Park has grown to 100 acres as large burning logs roll downhill over dry fuels. According to the National Park Service, the Coffeepot Fire was first located as a lightning-caused fire on August 3 in the southwest corner of the park at just 0.1 acres.
The fire was quickly contained upon its original discovery in early August, but a burning tree fell over and rolled across the containment line about a week later, letting the fire grow again. By August 12, it had grown to five acres and it’s proceeded to spread down steep terrain since then.
“On August 14, the fire expanded along the southwestern perimeter as it entered into Bureau of Land Management jurisdiction. At this time the fire is being managed by the National Park Service. A Type 3 Incident Command Team will be arriving on Friday, August 16, and will assume management of this fire in the coming days, while continuing to work closely with local NPS fire personnel, Cal Fire, Tulare County Fire, BLM, and others.“
As of Friday, August 16, the fire does not pose a threat to life or property, but it is expected that the fire will continue on the landscape for weeks to come. 70 fire personnel, one fire engine, 18 helicopters, and several air tankers are currently working on suppressing the burn.