Written by John Nichols, Public Information Officer, Rough Fire – The Rough Fire has been burning for almost two months in rugged and diverse terrain on the Sequoia and Sierra National Forests and the Kings Canyon National Park. The fire started July 31 from a lightning strike. In the ensuing weeks, the fire grew to over 151,000 acres and at ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST  – As firefighters gain significant ground on the Rough Fire, demobilization continues and crews are being released to return to their home units or for reassignment to other incidents across the state. The state’s largest wildfire is holding at 143,599 acres, and is now 79 percent contained.  There are currently 935 personnel assigned to the incident, including ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST – After nearly two months of long, exhausting days working in intense heat, dense smoke and dangerous conditions, firefighters are getting the upper hand on the Rough Fire. The fire is now 143,559 acres with 73 percent containment. There are currently 1,510 personnel assigned to the incident, including 27 crews, 77 engines, 12 helicopters, 11 bulldozers and ...

MADERA COUNTY – Word is coming in that searchers have located the missing hunter, unaccounted for these past two days in the Iron Lakes area. He is reported to be walking, is not in need of medical aid, and “just wants to get back to his truck.” The man was located about 7:20 p.m. Searchers from six agencies have been ...

MADERA COUNTY – At least six different agencies are now assisting in the search for a hunter who went missing on Sunday, Sept. 20, in the Iron Lakes area of the Sierra National Forest. A 37-year-old Madera man has not been seen nor heard from since he was reported missing, and search teams will continue their efforts throughout the night. ...

MADERA COUNTY – The Madera County Search and Rescue Team (SAR) was activated last night, Sept 20, to search for an overdue hunter. A 37-year-old male, who was said to be in the Iron Lakes area of Eastern Madera County, is the subject of the search. Currently Madera County SAR foot searchers, K-9s, Off-Highway Vehicle teams, and a CHP helicopter ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST – Smoke was visible again today from the Rough Fire, due to tactical firing operations. Unburned pockets of fuel continue to burn with higher temperatures over the fire area. Firefighters will strengthen and hold containment lines during these operations to prevent escape. Rough Fire has burned within 250 yards of the General Grant – the 2nd largest ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST – The Rough Fire is now estimated at 141,491 acres, up only slightly from yesterday’s estimate of 141,201 acres. Containment remains at 68 percent. There have been 4 structures lost in the fire, and 7 firefighters have been injured. Details of those injuries are not available. Firefighter fatigue is continually being monitored due to the lengthy effects of ...

HUME LAKE RANGER DISTRICT & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK – The National Park Service and the USDA Forest Service are excited to share with the public the plan and timetable for the reopening of the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park, the road between Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks (the Generals Highway), and parts of the Giant ...

SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST  – Due to the diligence and hard work of crews and aircraft resources, the fire has now reached 67 percent containment. The weather conditions have cooperated with firefighting efforts to allow the increase in containment. Lines continued to be patrolled and mopped up throughout the night. Total acreage increased to 140,760 acres and the Rough Fire remains ...