Incident Update 2024 SQF Lightning Complex

Situation Summary

Total Acres – 32,763 acres

Trout Fire: 23,559 acres - 68% containment

Long Fire: 9,204 acres - 95% containment

Total Personnel: 277

For more information on the SQF Lightning Fires, visit: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/casqf-2024-sqf-lightning

Trout Fire: Crews will continue to hold and mop up Sherman Pass Rd from Bald Mountain to indirect line and improve former line to Sirretta Pass. Chipping operations were completed in the Cherry Hill area and will continue to progress, dealing with debris along road systems that were created during suppression operations. Suppression repair assessment will begin in the Cherry Hill area. On the east flank of the fire, crews will be working to patrol and secure line east of 32. Sunny and warmer conditions are expected and will continue influencing fire behavior. Interior islands will continue to burn with possible spread to the west within the indirect containment lines. Spotting to the north over Sherman Pass Rd could further increase fire spread.

Long Fire: Fire activity remains minimal with containment at 95 percent. A patrol status is being maintained to periodically reassess for any changes. Suppression repair assessments have begun in effected areas. Rehab work is underway in Kennedy Meadows, along with grading operations and dozer line repair in effected areas.

Weather & Air Quality

High pressure remains over the western U.S., with continued warm temperatures and low humidities through Wednesday. Max temperatures of 78-85 degrees are expected today with a minimum relative humidity (RH) of 13-21%. Winds today will be stronger and will stay elevated from the northwest into the early morning. West/southwest wind speeds of 13-18 mph with 24 mph gusts are expected after 1500 in the slopes/valleys. On ridges/exposed areas wind speeds of 13-18 mph with gusts of 26 mph are expected.

Sequoia National Forest & BLM Closures & Restrictions

Sequoia National Forest lands, roads, trails, and recreation sites around the Trout and Long Fires are temporarily closed under Forest Order No. 0513- 24-13. All orders, maps, and accompanying appendices can be found on the Forest’s website: tinyurl.com/2en2d36k. The Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Field Office has temporarily closed Long Valley Campground, Chimney Creek Campground, and portions of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).

View the emergency closure order here: tinyurl.com/4mprcb9b. The PCT is closed between Hwy 178 at Walker Pass (mile 653) and the South Fork of the Kern River bridge (mile 717.7).

Evacuation Center

Residents under an evacuation warning or order can go to either the Tehachapi Education Center (126 S. Snyder Ave., Tehachapi). Animal services are available to assist in sheltering companion animals at the center. Contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767.

Large-Animal Assistance

The rodeo grounds in Kernville (467 Scodie Ave., Kernville) is available for residents who need to move large animals or livestock. For more information, contact Orion, Kernville Chamber of Commerce, 661- 340-0026.

Road Closures

The Trout Fire Closure Area boundary begins at the intersection of the Sequoia National Forest Boundary and Sierra Way (Mtn 99) in Section 14, Township 25 South, Range 33 East, Mount Diablo Base & Meridian, then continues approximately 76.5 miles south, east, north, and west along the Forest Boundary to its intersection with the North Fork of the Kern River in Section 1, T. 20 S., R. 34 E., MDB&M, then continues along Mtn 99 approximately 20.3 miles to the starting point. Visit the Forest Service Forest Orders and Forest Regulations website for more info on closures in the Sequoia National Forest (tinyurl.com/4zrmvnzy)

Evacuations: Everyone in areas of active fires should “Know Your Zone.” Go to Genasys Protect (tinyurl.com/jcdv55f9) to identify the zone you reside in.

Evacuation Information:

Evacuations

Everyone in areas of active fires should “Know Your Zone.” Go to Genasys Protect (tinyurl.com/jcdv55f9) to identify the zone you reside in.

Kern County has multiple evacuation orders and warnings in effect due to the Borel Fire. The following zones are under an evacuation order: KRN-403-A, KRN-403B, KRN-735-B, KRN-736, KRN-737, KRN-738, KRN-739-A, KRN-740-B, KRN-741-A, KRN-747-A, and KRN747-B.

The following zones are under an evacuation warning: KRN-750

Tulare County has evacuation warnings and advisories in effect due to the Trout and Long Fires. The following zones are under an evacuation advisory: TLC-E250, TLC-E261-A, TLC-E261-B, TLC-E274-A, TLC-E274-B, and TLC-E297-A.

Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the State are flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow.

Total Personnel

1619