Calif. Coffee Pot Fire Still Growing, Triggers Evacuations

(TNS) – A wildfire ignited by lightning on Aug. 3 in the southwest corner of Sequoia National Park has been quiet for the past week but exploded Tuesday into Wednesday amid dry, hot weather, growing more than 35 percent in size and triggering evacuations, officials said.

The Coffee Pot Fire that started southeast of the town of Three Rivers in Tulare County grew from 3,678 acres on Tuesday to 5,044 acres by Wednesday evening, and has no containment, according to park officials.

“After nearly a week of no activity and being monitored, a burning tree within the perimeter fell and rolled over the containment line, and the fire began to grow,” an update from the county said. “Fire is being managed under a full suppression strategy.”

The blaze is presenting challenges to firefighters, as flames are tearing through steep, rugged terrain, and the vegetation that has dried out all summer long is highly flammable.

A map with evacuation information was posted online by Tulare County.

The increase in fire activity comes ahead of the three-day Labor Day weekend, when many Californians head into wilderness areas like Sequoia National Park for hiking and camping trips.

The park remains open. The Mineral King area of the park is “experiencing the most significant impact from the Coffee Pot Fire,” the National Park Service said.

“Please make room for fire vehicles and drive cautiously when in Three Rivers and on Mineral King Road,” NPS continued. “Visitors can expect 30-minute delays on Mineral King Road. Consider entering the parks through the Big Stump Entrance on Hwy 180 to avoid fire vehicle traffic and experience less concentrated smoke conditions.”

The National Park Service did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

©2024 SFGate, San Francisco, Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.