Unfortunately, from what I understand, the chaparral in the lower elevations near town (especially the Middle Fork of the Kaweah) hasn’t burned in over 100 years. We’ve been into a few fires on Dennison Ridge over the years, and the assorted chamise, manzanita and live oaks are well over head height and almost impenetrable in many areas.
That said, I am keeping my fingers crossed that the granite can hold it up, as you stated.
To the north, and around to the east there is rock, “protecting” the backcountry.
From due north around to the west, no rock other than Dennison mountain itself. If it “crosses Dennison” as mentioned, there is very little beneficial rock in Kaweah River canyon between there and Three Rivers.
Vegetation change for sure. Overall easier vegetation/terrain to cut line and retardant is more effective. But still not a walk in the park if winds are not favorable down the river canyon.
Does anyone know if there are boots on the ground in upper South Fork (and Mtn Control Rd 319 possibly) in Three Rivers yet?
Despite the types of fuel and fuel loading in the lower elevation,there is the fact that there more dozer friendly country in there and a lot more room prep and defend. The 12 mile run had a lot to do with down canyon winds and the poor over night recoveries did not help with that. The past couple nights have been cooler and if you where able to look at the blue ridge cam you would have noticed the fire activity was not as bad as the night before especially after midnight. I understand the concern and let’s just take it day by day and see what the fire does and not get ahead of ourselves.
It’s sounding like that mandatory evacuation order for South Fork may have been less about there being an “imminent threat” to the values (lives/homes/ranches/animals) in the upper South Fork community of Three Rivers that’s closest to the fire - which people may not realize stretches all the way to the park up a steep dry canyon and also up other side roads (like Mtn Control Rd 319/Grouse Valley Rd) - and that the evac order may have been more about the road itself. South Fork Drive is a narrow ingress/egress up a steep canyon, and they probably want to keep South Fork Drive open for the fire teams without traffic/accidents/blockages. The Blue Ridge cam has not exactly been comforting in the last few nights, or last night. Heard there was a 2 man team last night to watch Dennison so far, so that’s good. There was another fire in upper South Fork recently, but they didn’t have to evacuate the community to fight it. So this really is quite different.
South Fork is definitely about keeping the road open for fire resources, which are already scouting the area and sending in heavy equipment. (I live on this road.)
We are not here to debate decisions. We all strive to be professional, and pass along pertinent information. Residents need to be able to leave in advance in a calm manor, and fire personnel/ first responders need access to all roads, including fire access roads without the worry of being met head on by an influx of panicked residents trying to make their way on the 11th hour. Advanced evacs makes it safer for everyone.
Hoping the smoke clears up enough for aerial drop to protect Blue Ridge
That’s really good to hear. Last night the bridge construction vehicles left (some were staged at 319).
Wish I had more details; after tonight, will be relocating to Visalia and working out of Porterville for the duration.
Mt. HomeDemonstration State Forest was in the initial attack area for CDF-Springville, when I worked there 1978-1995. Looks like the Castle left a big footprint there. I note, also, that Bear Creek Rd. doesn’t show on this map. It was/is a common access road to get into Balch Park, etc.
Mt home is such a beautiful place. I have a feeling it left a big imprint there and Balch Park. I hadn’t noticed the road missing there. I know it’s on some of the maps as I’ve been following them close. Either way they’ve still got their work cut out for them and here’s hoping there isn’t too much damage
Hoping the 410 memorial isn’t touched.
Enough visibility to see Dennison area on the Blue Ridge cam now. Looks active.
http://www.alertwildfire.org/sierra/?camera=Axis-BlueRidge2
Looks like AA called in fixed wing to treat Blue Ridge summit.
It’s a bit closer to the outer community of Three Rivers, which begins just under South Fork Campground (if the fire hops out of the park boundary down the South Fork Kaweah River drainage). Blue Ridge 2 cam has a better angle of it today. Also wondering about the sequoias in Garfield Grove.
Me too, the Chief was a good friend of mine.
The nightly winds in Three Rivers often blow from Dennison down the South Fork Kaweah River canyon. Looks like tonight is no exception. Blue Ridge 2 cam at night now shows the flames on Dennison. http://www.alertwildfire.org/sierra/?camera=Axis-BlueRidge2
