California fire threatens iconic Sequoia Trees

California, unfortunately, is known for its destructive wildfires. Right now eight large fires burn in California, and the closest one affecting our community blazes in Sequoia National Park, KNP Complex Fire, beginning Sept. 10. The complex fire began with a strike of lightning that occurred in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National park.

Daily haze and thick smoke blanketed The Valley under a sky that could no longer be seen. Reaching air quality index levels in the 180’s (out of 200) created many health risks including respiratory virus’. One bonus from weeks of poor air quality were the numerous firey sunsets that filled social media posts.

The downfall of this time lead to the cancelation of many events including the FCS senior retreat, twice. Other schools around the city canceled football games and other sports to protect the well-being of their students. Fresno Christian planned to host a tailgate, football game on October 2, 2021. Due to unhealthy air quality FCS decided to cancel for the safety of others. 

English teacher, Andrea Donaghe shares the struggles she personally experiences during these times.

She goes on about what Sequoia National Park means to her and all the adventures she has had with family.”

“Yes, every season I am affected by the air quality here in the valley,” Donaghe said. “In the Summer, it is the triple-digit heat increasing our air quality index AQI, not to mention the fires California has EVERY YEAR that increases my asthma and allergies (which cause migraines). Growing up in Burbank, and moving here is what triggered my asthma…I never had it when I lived down south.” 

Donaghe has a personal connection to the forest area at risk.

“I am heartbroken. My family used to make multiple trips every summer to the Sequoia National Park to camp, picnic, wade through the streams and just spend quality time there,” Donaghe said.” To see CAL FIRE wrapping up General Sherman and the famous sign as you enter the park made me incredibly sad.”

Evacuation orders were given out, Oct. 14 to Tulare county. Sheriffs have also removed evacuation orders to multiple communities that are listed in the article: KNP Complex Fire: More evacuation orders, warnings lifted for some Tulare County residents

Battalion Chief Brock Redding is currently in his 24th year of working for Cal Fire and is currently Battalion Chief for the Northern Region California National Guard Coordinator. 

Chief Redding was assigned to the KNP Complex Fire for eight days after being assigned to the Dixie Fire for nearly two months. With a BS degree in Forestry and an AA degree in Fire Science, Chief Redding generously shares his knowledge and opinions of the KNP Complex Fire.

“I can say with confidence that many of the Sequoia Groves experienced low to moderate fire intensity (including the Giant Forest Grove) and that their chance for survival is very high,” he continues. “While I was assigned to the KNP Complex the fire activity was low to moderate and honestly, the fire was doing a very good job of cleaning up the forest understory.”

 

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Chief Redding also shares his knowledge of history and science. According to him, Pre-European settlements in America were impacted by very frequent low to moderate intensity fires. Native Americans intentionally set fires due to the healthy, productive, diverse ecosystem it promotes. One-third of California was subjected to fire annually prior to European settlement. 

After fire destructions, people tend to return back quickly to see what is lost.

“Visitors tend to believe visiting the area that once was affected by the fire is safe. However, there are plenty of potential hazards that need to be mitigated before the general public can be allowed into a burn area,”Redding said.

“There are fire weakened trees that could fall on you or fall across the road trapping you. There are stump holes that retain heat for months and could cause server burns if you step into them. Utility companies need to replace their infrastructure (power lines/poles, fiber optics, water pipes, natural gas, etc.). And then there is winter…..mudslides! Once the ground vegetation had been removed (burned) there is nothing holding the soil back from eroding and sliding of the hillsides. In some cases, entire watersheds become compromised.

When asked How he has seen climate change affect the fires in terms of frequency, size, ferocity, etc.? Redding replied, “I personally cannot say that climate change has made a noticeable difference when it comes to wildland fires. We have experienced extreme drought; we have experienced record wetting years. In terms of temperatures, we have experienced record lows and record highs. This idea that climate change is the main catalyst driving our MEGA FIRES is far from the truth. The sole reason we are having catastrophic wildland fires is due to very poor land management practices.”

Redding proceeds to share his opinions on the political standard of fires being included in climate change.

“However, politicians are using our fires that we are having to live with today as leverage for a political purpose. Unfortunately, this is a sad reality that ‘we the people’ are getting too used to…. politics being introduced into every element in our everyday lives. We need to stop politicizing everything, cut the red tape and start taking real action on this environmental crisis that we call fire season.”

#KNPComplex quick stats for October 29, 2021
More info @ https://t.co/VpxXBuJykw

Acres: 88,307
Containment: 73%
Total Personnel: 539
Crews: 8
Helicopters: 6
Engines: 17
Dozers: 1
Water Tenders: 5

Video Description: Recon flight over Mineral King Rd pic.twitter.com/uWDd0qF9va

— Sequoia & Kings Cyn (@SequoiaKingsNPS) October 29, 2021

To read more about California fires and the effect on our local community visit Creek Fire survivors recount escape, valley community affected.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Facebook Updates :

The information down below consists of facts about the history of Sequoia National Park. 

-Sequoia National Park was established in 1890

-General Grant National Park was established to protect the sequoia in the general Grant Grove, a week after Sequoia was created in 1890

-These sequoias can live over 3,000 years because of a chemical in their back called tannin-helps protect against rot, boring insects, and even fire. 

-They grow as tall as a 26-building, averaging between 180 and 250 ft. tall

-general Sherman tree- almost 275 feet tall over 36 feet in diameter

If you want to learn more visit Sequoia National Park.

To be involved and/or help California Wildfires and people in need visit:  KNP Complex Recovery Fund or Donate to California Wildfire and Help Those in Need.

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