Firefighters are covering the base of Sequoia National Park's largest tree with aluminum foil blankets as fast-burning wildfires threaten the area. There is concern that the flames could soon reach the park.
According to the National Park Service, Paradise and Colony fires have increased in central California over recent days. They were sparked by lightning strikes last week and named after their origins. In the nearby community, Three Rivers, evacuation advisories were issued. More than 350 firefighters are fighting the flames with water-dropping aircrafts and helicopters.
Yesterday saw a significant increase in the KNP Complex. Yesterday's growth in the KNP Complex was significant. The Paradise Fire now has 5,914 acres and the Colony Fire 1,125 acres. This makes the total of the KNP Complex 7,039 with 0% containment. Follow updates at https://t.co/VpxXBv19c4 pic.twitter.com/5RngDMvth3 Sequoia & Kings Cyn (@SequoiaKingsNPS) September 15, 2021
The fires collectively known as the KNP complex were moving closer towards the Giant Forest of Sequoia. This forest is home to approximately 2000 sequoias including General Sherman, a 275ft (83m), tree. This 2500-year-old tree, which is 1,487 cubic metres in volume, is the park's most popular attraction.
Fires continued to grow in intensity, burning approximately 7039 acres, according to InciWeb data. Overnight, firefighters began protecting the tree and other trees within the forest by wrapping themselves in aluminium foil blankets that are fire-resistant to reduce the potential damage from flames.
The General Sherman is the largest tree on Earth AFP/Getty Images
Rebecca Paterson, NPS fire spokesperson, said that the Giant Forest Museum and the park's historical wooden entrance sign have been covered in fire-resistant blankets. Also planned are prescribed burn operations on vegetation and any other fuel that could feed the flames. Paterson stated that the Giant Forest would emerge unscathed from this.
All services and facilities at Sequoia National Park are currently closed. This includes roads, visitor centers and lodges as well as campgrounds. The California State Parks Department asks people to be responsible outdoors as active wildfires are raging throughout the state. Before you leave home, make sure to check the status of any park you are interested in to see if there are any restrictions or guidelines. Avoid spending time outdoors near wildfires and avoid entering closed areas.
Protecting the huge sequoia trees against high-intensity fires is a priority My Good Images/Shutterstock
"Knowledge about the area, weather conditions, terrain, physical limitations, and a sense for general safety can all help to ensure safe and enjoyable travel. Lonely Planet was told by a spokesperson for the department that wildfires may be burning near you.
Information on California state parks that were affected by wildfires can be found here. For information about active wildfires within national parks, click here.
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