Cedar Central Prescribed Burn

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KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Calif.  – Fire staff completed ignitions on the last segment of the Cedar Central Prescribed Burn unit on Monday, May 25, 2020, for a total of 245 acres treated since Sunday. With ignitions complete, firefighters will continue to patrol the area as vegetation inside the unit self-extinguishes.

The Cedar Central Prescribed Burn is located east of Moraine Campground, north and south of Highway 180, west of Roads End, and on both sides of the Kings River.

When Cedar Grove opens to the public, visitors driving or hiking near the area may see smoke and/or areas of active flame. For safety, trail closures in the prescribed burn and on some trails leading to it will remain closed until conditions in the area have progressed to a stage where minimal public hazard remains, as determined by the Burn Boss or the parks’ Fire Management Officer.

“We are grateful for the public’s understanding of the trail and area closures on this prescribed burn,” said Jeremy Loyd, burn boss trainee. “Hazards such as fire weakened trees, snags, and pockets of heat may not be readily apparent from a distance. We want everyone to return home safe.” 

Smoke impacts are expected to be limited to Cedar Grove, and will lessen as fuels within the prescribed burn area are consumed and ultimately go out. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks work with the San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District to coordinate and regulate smoke contributions to the airshed. For more information about air quality in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks visit go.nps.gov/sekiair. For regional information about air quality visit www.valleyair.org.