Containment of The Hidden Fire Now 100%
Incident: Hidden Wildfire
Released: 10/1/2008
Fire crews have reached containment of the Hidden Fire which has consumed close to 3,700 acres since it was first discovered on September 10, 2008.
The Hidden Fire started from a lightning strike in Sequoia National Park, 12 miles north of the community of Three Rivers. An initial assessment was done and National Park Service firefighters began to immediately contain this fire. The fire grew in spite of firefighter efforts to stop this fire from burning in extremely steep terrain and heavy fuels at an elevation of approximately 6,000 to 7,000 feet. On September 16, management of the fire was transferred to an interagency incident management team. After reaching their goal of containment using indirect fire fighting methods to strengthen the perimeter and suppress spot fires, the fire was then returned to the National Park Service under a smaller incident command team on September 24. This team was responsible to further secure the fire line, begin mop up, patrol and rehabilitate areas affected by the suppression activities.
All fire fighting teams are to be commended for their exemplary effort in maintaining fire fighter and public safety. This incident met with only two fire fighter injuries. There were no threats to life or property during this fire.
Park managers made the decision to close Crystal Cave, the Crystal Cave Road, and the Muir Grove Trail (trailhead located at Dorst Campground) as a safety measure. Advisories were posted on the Colony Mill Road to warn visitors of the danger of fire ahead. Crystal Cave is now closed for the season, and the Crystal Cave Road and Muir Grove Trail will remain closed until further notice for public safety.
As mop up and patrol of this fire continues some smoke may still be noticeable over the next several days in some areas within the park.
The Hidden Fire Information phone number is (559) 565-4287 or (559) 565-3703. For information on the internet go to www.nps.gov/seki/fire/fireinfo/current.htm
