KNP Complex Fire 9/14/21 9:15 a.m.

From our Facebook Group <https://www.facebook.com/groups/MineralKing>

Looks like the fire had some serious growth last night due to down canyon winds, most notably through the drainages that feed the middle fork kaweah river. This significantly increased the fire’s footprint to the north and northwest, nearly causing the paradise and colony fires to connect. The paradise fire is now well established on the north side of the middle fork. Because the fire has worked it’s way down into the lower elevation (sub 5,000 ft), the fuels type has changed from the heavier, slower burning material(timber) into the lighter, flashier materials (grass, brush). This new fuel combined with steep topography will most like result in significant fire spread along the western/northwestern front. The one silver lining to the fire burning in this lighter fuel is that aerial suppression is more effective, as the burning fuel doesn’t hold as much heat compared to timber and there is less tree canopy which will allow water/retardant to reach the base of the fire. 

As for the southern edge of the fire, we are looking fairly decent in comparison, as we still have topography and heavier fuels to buy us some time. The only exception to this is the growth on the southwest section. Down canyon winds pushed the fire into lower elevations into flashier fuel beds of milk ranch and above oriole lake. My major concern here is the fire continuing to push down canyon and becoming established in the East Fork drainage, most notably in the thick fuel bed below and east of lookout point. Fingers crossed that this will not happen! 

Weather looks to be slightly changing in our favor. As a low pressure moves over, this will allow smoke to lift resulting in cleaner air for the use of aircraft. 

Additionally, as the fire moves west out of the Park, my hope is this will result in an increase of resources and a more aggressive suppression strategy. 

Hopefully as the incident management team gets in place today, they will be very transparent with what is happening, so our community can be well informed. Lack of communication is terrible and often leads to unnecessary worries.