SQF Lightning Complex fires

SQF Complex or Sequoia Complex is one of the August 2020 California lightning wildfires, currently burning in Sequoia National Forest and adjacent areas. Sparked on August 19, it coalesced from the Castle and Shotgun fires. As of January 5, 2021, it has burned 174,178 acres (70,487 ha) and is 100% contained.[2]

SQF Complex
LocationTulare County, California, United States
Coordinates36.255°N 118.497°W / 36.255; -118.497
Statistics[1]
Total fires2
Total area174,178 acres (70,487 ha)
CostUnknown
Date(s)August 19, 2020 - January 5, 2021
CauseLightning
Map
Location in California
Location of SQF Complex

Property lost

The small community of Cedar Slope was largely destroyed by the fire with 57 of its 65 cabins completely burned.[3] In the nearby communities of Alpine Village and Sequoia Crest, 37 and 49 cabins were lost in the fire respectively. No structure damage has been reported in nearby Camp Nelson or Ponderosa. [4] The area remains at risk for mud flows and flash floods due to the charred soil being unable to absorb water. [2]

Evacuations and road closures

As a result of the fire, parts of Route 190 and Route 198 were closed, Sequoia National Park were closed for two weeks [5] and parts of Three Rivers were under mandatory evacuation orders. The fire is burning in Sequoia National Forest, Inyo National Forest, and the Golden Trout Wilderness. On 14 September, the fire crossed the boundary into Sequoia National Park.[6][7]

Impact on Sequoia Groves

The SQF fire swept through portions of 20 Giant Sequoia Groves. The number of mature Sequoia Trees that died is “certainly in the hundreds – and could easily top 1,000.” The most intense previous fire in this area is dated to 1297 based on tree ring data. The McIntrye Grove of Giant Sequoia, a short distance to the south from Cedar Slope, is reported as heavily damaged. Near Sequoia Crest, one-third of the Alder Creek Grove of Giant Sequoia is reported as severely damaged.[8] The large Stagg Tree in Alder Creek Grove was not impacted. Other areas experienced “light fire” which is expected to be ecologically beneficial in the long run. The Homers Nose Grove is also reported as “badly burned”. [9]

See also

References
  1. "SQF Complex". InciWeb. 12 October 2020. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
  2. "SQF Complex Fire". InciWeb. September 13, 2020. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
  3. "ArcGIS Web Application". tularecounty.maps.arcgis.com. Retrieved 2021-01-05.
  4. Yeager, Joshua (September 19, 2020). "SQF Complex: Tulare County releases fire damage map, hotline for people needing resources". Visalia Times Delta. Retrieved December 7, 2020.
  5. Johnson, Brian (October 1, 2020). "Sequoia National Park reopens to visitors". ABC30 Fresno. Retrieved December 7, 2020.
  6. Johnson, Brian; Staff, ABC30 Com (14 September 2020). "SQF Complex Fire: 90,845 acres burned, evacuation orders issued for Three Rivers area". ABC30 Fresno. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  7. Romero, Joe Jacquez and Sheyanne N. "SQF Complex Fire grows, portions of Three Rivers under mandatory evacuations. What we know". VisaliaTimesDelta.com. Retrieved 15 September 2020.
  8. "Update on 2020 wildfire in the giant sequoia range". Save the Redwoods League. 2020-11-06. Retrieved 2021-01-05.
  9. Boxtall, Bettina (November 16, 2020). "Hundreds of towering giant sequoias killed by the Castle fire — a stunning loss". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 7, 2020.
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