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Fire Information: Office Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM                              Phone: 208-891-6270

Email:  2022.wishon@firenet.gov                                                          Inciweb Updates:  Wishon Fire

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Instagram: Sequoia NF Instagram                                                    Website: Sequoia NF Website

Location: Sequoia National Forest, Tule River Canyon                             Percent Contained: 85%

Fire Start Date: August 15, 2022                                                          Structures Damaged/Destroyed: 0                  

Cause: Under Investigation                                                                   Suppression Strategy: Full Suppression

Size: 325 acres                                                                                      Number of Personnel Assigned: 305

                                                                                                            Injuries: 2

Fire History: On August 15, 2022 firefighters from the US Forest Service, CAL FIRE, Tulare County and other cooperators responded to a fire in the Tule River Canyon near The Stairs on the Western Divide Ranger District of the Sequoia National Forest. Initial responding resources included 9 engines, 14 hand crews, 5 helicopters, 6 airtankers and an air attack. California Interagency Incident Management Team 13 continues to support firefighting efforts.

Fire Activity, Weather & Suppression: Minimal fire activity around the fire perimeter in the last 12 hours continues to assist crews and aircraft in making progress. Hot and dry conditions are expected for today (Saturday) with a slow cooling pattern and increase in humidity expected for Sunday. No significant wind issues are expected as we move into early next week. The fire will continue to smolder and produce occasional flare-ups within the perimeter of the fire as it makes contact with unburned fuel. Ongoing mop-up will have a big impact of limiting fire behavior and spread potential. There have been two minor injuries reported.

As the Wishon Fire nears full containment, firefighters concentrate on removing or “backhauling” equipment used during the firefighting efforts. Equipment includes, but is not limited to, hose (often adding up to miles in length), hose fittings, nozzles, pumps, remaining fuel and fuel containers, hand tools, water containers and other necessary equipment. These items will then be cleaned, rehabilitated (or pulled from use if damaged) and put back into service for future incidents.

Power Restoration Update: Southern California Edison (SCE) reports that power has been restored in those areas impacted by the Wishon Fire as of 4:30 pm on August 19th. Expect to see utility vehicles and crews still working in the area and exercise caution when driving. Your patience has been greatly appreciated. SCE helps you prepare for wildfires and related power issues at: sce.com/wildfire

Firefighter & Public Safety: Despite the reduced threat of the Wishon Fire, the health and safety of the public and fire personnel remains a high priority. The fire danger rating for the Sequoia National Forest is currently Very High and fire restrictions remain in place. For a link to these restrictions please visit: Sequoia NF Fire Alerts & Notices

Evacuations & Closures: No restrictions have been placed on public access except in areas of the fire perimeter and in areas of fire growth potential. The Tulare County Sheriff has lifted all evacuation warnings including Wishon Camp and Doyle Springs. The California Highway Patrol has lifted all road closures. Due to fire personnel, heavy equipment and utility companies working in the area, the public is advised to avoid traveling on Hwy. 190 and Wishon Drive.

Air Quality: Current impacts to air quality from the Wishon Fire are expected to be minimal. To check on air quality for your area, or wherever you are visiting, check: airnow.gov.  For the air quality at Camp Wishon check:  Camp Wishon