Incident Update 2024 SQF Lightning Complex

Situation Summary

Total Acres – 32,763 acres

Trout Fire: 23,597 acres - 70% containment

Long Fire: 9,204 acres - 98% containment

Total Personnel: 175

For more information on the SQF Lightning Fires, visit: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/casqf-2024-sqf-lightning

Trout Fire: Crews will continue to hold and mop-up along Sherman Pass Rd. Line improvements are underway in various areas to maintain and improve on containment. Transition to damage assessment and suppression repair continues with a group being established to focus on these efforts where needed across both fires. Excess hose and equipment is being inventoried and backhauled. Wildland fire modules are in the process of being extracted in steep country where there will be continued monitoring by air. The threat of short-range spotting will remain but may be mitigated with the gradual cooling and somewhat higher humidity as the days progress. Heavy surface and ground fuels will continue to generate heat, driving that possibility.

Long Fire: Fire activity remains minimal with containment at 98 percent. The Long fire is being monitored by air. Suppression repair work continues, particularly in the Kennedy Meadows area. Grading operations continue down Canebrake Rd to 178. Fire suppression equipment is in the process of being inventoried and removed. 

Weather & Air Quality

A slow cooling trend will continue today as high pressure gradually breaks down through the weekend. Expect more cumulus buildups in the area today due to an increase in mid-level moisture from the southeast. Max temperatures of 72-82 degrees are expected today with a minimum relative humidity (RH) of 18-27%. West/southwest wind speeds of 6-13 mph with gusts of 17 mph are expected after 3pm. On ridges/exposed areas wind speeds of 9-16 mph with gusts of 22 mph are expected. Tonight, minimum temps across the fire will range from 48-60 degrees with RH recoveries between 35-63 percent.

Sequoia National Forest & BLM Closures & Restrictions

Sequoia National Forest lands, roads, trails, and recreation sites around the Trout and Long Fires are temporarily closed under Forest Order No. 0513-24-13. All orders, maps, and accompanying appendices can be found on the Forest’s website: tinyurl.com/2en2d36k.

The Bureau of Land Management Bakersfield Field Office has temporarily closed Long Valley Campground, Chimney Creek Campground, and portions of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). View the emergency closure order here: tinyurl.com/4mprcb9b. The PCT is closed between Hwy 178 at Walker Pass (mile 653) and the South Fork of the Kern River bridge (mile 717.7). 

Evacuation Center

The Tehachapi Education Center (126 S. Snyder Ave., Tehachapi) has been placed in a standby status, due to no residents currently utilizing the service. Contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. 

Large-Animal Assistance

The rodeo grounds in Kernville (467 Scodie Ave., Kernville) is available for residents who need to move large animals or livestock. For more information, contact Orion, Kernville Chamber of Commerce, 661- 340-0026.

Road Closures

The Trout Fire Closure Area boundary begins at the intersection of the Sequoia National Forest Boundary and Sierra Way (Mtn 99) in Section 14, Township 25 South, Range 33 East, Mount Diablo Base & Meridian, then continues approximately 76.5 miles south, east, north, and west along the Forest Boundary to its intersection with the North Fork of the Kern River in Section 1, T. 20 S., R. 34 E., MDB&M, then continues along Mtn 99 approximately 20.3 miles to the starting point. Visit the Forest Service Forest Orders and Forest Regulations website for more info on closures in the Sequoia National Forest (tinyurl.com/4zrmvnzy)

Evacuation Information:

Evacuations

Everyone in areas of active fires should “Know Your Zone.” Go to Genasys Protect (tinyurl.com/jcdv55f9) to identify the zone you reside in.

• Tulare County has evacuation warnings and advisories in effect due to the Trout and Long Fires. The following zones are under an evacuation advisory: TLC-E250, TLC-E261-A, TLC-E261-B, TLC-E274-A, TLC-E274-B, and TLC-E297-A. 

Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the State are flying fire suppression missions as conditions allow.

Total Personnel

1619