Sep 19, 2021 - Science

California wildfire has, so far, missed group of giant sequoias

Yacob Reyes

The KNP Complex Fire, which reached the western edge of Sequoia National Park Saturday night, has so far spared a group of giant sequoias, local authorities said on Sunday.

Why it matters: The forest contains over 2,000 giant sequoias, including one that is considered the largest tree on Earth by volume. The giant trees are considered "national treasures," and protective measures, such as wrapping portions of the trees in fire-resistant foil, are in place to curb damage.

The massive General Sherman Tree is 275 feet tall and over 36 feet in diameter at its base, according to the National Park Service.

The big picture: The KNP Complex Fire, which ignited by lightning earlier this month, has amassed a reach of about 21,777 acres and, as of yet, remains 0% contained, according to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. A red flag warning is in place.

More than 600 fire personnel have been deployed to the area. At this point, the fire is estimated to be contained around mid-October, per InciWeb.

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California wildfire has, so far, missed group of giant sequoias

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