09/13/2020
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
This fire adapted ecosystem continues to perform as it has for thousands of years. Currently, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks have two wildfires, Rattlesnake and Moraine Fires, burning in designated wilderness.
Did you know…
• When a fire starts in a national park site, fire manager's number one priority is the protection of life and property
• If a fire is human caused, this park reacts with a full suppression response. The two fires currently burning were naturally caused by lightning strikes and the park is utilizing minimal impact suppression techniques or MIST
• Climate change has altered fire behavior from a fire season to a fire year
• Many parks have fire effects monitors, a team of scientists who observe the long-term study of an area in regards to fire, both before and after fire passes through an area. These folks study the microclimates and biomes in each ecosystem
• A little bit of support now may prevent a lot of smoke later
Most importantly, have a plan for any natural disaster! Practice “Ready, Set, Go”
For more information on Ready, Set, Go, please visit www.readyforwildfire.org/prepare-for-wildfire/ready-set-go/
For more information on air quality, please visit fire.airnow.gov/ or www.nps.gov/seki/learn/nature/airqualityinfo.htm
For more information on the Rattlesnake Fire, please visit inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7131/
For more information on the Moraine Fire, please visit inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7089/
Photo Description: (Left, Moraine Fire) small flames burn the ground fuels in a forest and the sky is orange tinted with smoke. NPS/Nauert. (Right, Rattlesnake Fire) aerial view of a smoke column rising out of a canyon filled with green trees. NPS/Theune
