Coffee Pot Fire Threatens Kaweah River Area, Spurring Evacuations and Spot Fires in California

A new wildfire, dubbed the Coffee Pot Fire, has intensified in Tulare County, California, expanding its scope and prompting fresh evacuation orders. Currently encompassing 11,625 acres, it has become the fifth largest active wildfire in the state, with only 13% containment achieved so far.

Fire's Expanding Reach

The Coffee Pot Fire has made significant advances, reaching the northern fork of the Kaweah River and now extending across the area between the North and South forks. This rapid spread has raised alarms and necessitated the issuance of new evacuation orders in the region.

Impact and Containment Efforts

Despite firefighters' efforts to control the fire's spread, new spot fires continue to ignite outside containment lines, threatening to undermine containment progress. Fire officials have reported a spot fire northwest of Case Mountain, prompting active efforts to contain its spread. Firefighters are also engaged in aerial operations to control fires along the East Fork Kaweah River.

Evacuation Orders and Warnings

In response to the escalating fire conditions, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office has issued new evacuation orders for Genasys zones TLC-E094-C and TLC-E094-E. These zones encompass areas west of the Sequoia and kings Canyon National Park boundary, north of the East Fork Kaweah River, east of Oak Grove, and the Mineral King Road area, south of River Hill, east of Case Mountain, and west of Mitchell Ranch, including the Oak Grove community. The existing evacuation orders for zones TLC-E094-D and TLC-E094-B remain in effect.

The Tulare County Fire Department has also issued evacuation warnings for zones TLC-E093-A, TLC-E093-B, TLC-E095, TLC-E127-B, and TLC-E128-A. Additionally, road closures along Mineral Kings Road are in place between Oak Grove and the National Park Boundary due to fire conditions.

Impact on Air Quality

As the fire continues to spread, fire officials have reported significant impacts on air quality. The wind patterns are expected to shift the smoke impacts, with areas like Springville and Pinehurst experiencing less smoke but still posing risks for sensitive groups. Other areas like Three Rivers, Hammond, Mineral King, and the Giant Forest are expected to face varying degrees of unhealthy to very unhealthy smoke conditions.