Single Publication

VISALIA, CA – Effective immediately, Tulare County has downgraded the Evacuation Warning for the communities of Wilsonia and Grant Grove Village. These areas will include all structures, residential and businesses.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park and Forest will remain closed and only authorized Forest, Park, and Fire personnel are allowed inside the closed areas at this time. Fire personnel and heavy equipment are still traveling through the area; please be mindful of the personnel on the ground and equipment in the area.

Road Closure: Generals Highway.

The following communities will remain under an Evacuation Order: Upper Mineral King, Cabin Cove, Silver City, and Mineral King.

Roadblock: Mineral King at the Oak Grove Bridge.

At this time, only residents and business owners are permitted to return. Residents living in these areas may return to their homes after showing proof of residence to law enforcement officers. Proper documentation must include the person’s name and address within the impacted area. Examples include a driver’s license, utility bill or address documentation from the U.S. Post Office for people who use a post office box.

Residents returning to evacuation warning areas should be ready to leave again at a moment’s notice, as the fire is still active in some areas. Conditions may change, which may cause officials to re-issue mandatory evacuation status, if necessary.

Tulare County advises residents returning to communities impacted by wildfires to take caution upon returning to their homes:

•     Conduct a thorough inspection of structures, which may have been damaged, to prevent injury;

•     Do not consume refrigerated or frozen food stored in appliances that may have lost electricity, and dispose of these items properly;

•     Wear personal protective equipment, including long-sleeved shirts and pants, hard hats, safety glasses, leather gloves, and steel toe boots, to reduce risk of injury;

•     Be aware of burnt or unstable trees on your route or on your property and hidden hotspots underground which may present hazards;

•     Do not enter a confined space (for example, septic tanks, storage tanks, utility vaults, wells) without proper training and equipment;

•     Avoid potential electrical hazards such as damaged power lines and electrical equipment that has been exposed to fire heat;

•     Be cautious around hazardous and potentially dangerous materials such as propane tanks, gasoline tanks, and chemicals, and seek professional help in assessing or removing any hazardous waste;

•     Use proper lifting techniques when removing debris and other items, and seek help from others when moving heavy or bulky items to reduce risk of musculoskeletal injuries;

•     Wear personal protective equipment to avoid exposure to smoke and ash, dispose of ash using vacuums equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters;

•     During clean up, use a particulate respirator mask, either P95 or P100 (sold at pharmacies), to provide protection from smoke and ash inhalation;

•     Avoid burned items that may contain hazardous materials. Avoid ash from decks and fences treated with chromated copper arsenate (a wood preservative) as it may contain lethal amounts of arsenic;

•     Do not consume any food, beverages, or medications that have been exposed to burn debris or ash;

•     Seek support as needed for emotional stress and mental and physical fatigue resulting from evacuation from and return to your residence;

•     Check your homeowner’s insurance policy for information about your home and property coverage; and,

Always be aware of your surroundings and proceed cautiously to avoid hazards when returning to an area affected by wildfire. Seek professional help when assessing potential hazards and seek medical assistance when necessary.