All park facilities and services to close at 5:00 p.m. tonight, Thursday, September 17, 2020
SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS,California September 17, 2020– Kings Canyon National Park announces that the park will close to all visitors due to significant smoke impacts and hazardous air quality throughout the park. The park entrance station, facilities and parking lots will close beginning at 5:00 p.m. tonight, Thursday, September 17, 2020. Sequoia National Park closed on Tuesday, September 15.
With air quality projected to be in the unhealthy to hazardous range over the next several days, the park anticipates the closure to be in effect at least through the weekend. The park will continue to assess the smoke impacts, air quality index, and fire activity throughout the region. Kings Canyon National Park will reopen to visitors when conditions improve, and it is safe for visitors and employees.
Kings Canyon National Park’s closure is in alignment with the closure of Yosemite National Park and the surrounding national forests.
For detailed information on current conditions, campgrounds, air quality, and smoke impacts, please visit https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/conditions.htm.
For updated 24-hour road and weather conditions for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, please call 559-565-3341, press 1 and press 1 again. Updated information is also available on the park’s website at www.nps.gov/seki.
Sequoia National Park Closes in Response to Castle Fire
SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, Calif. September 14, 2020 – Sequoia National Park is implementing a full park closure at 6 am on September 15 in response to the Castle Fire on the SQF Complex. Many park staff have been evacuated from the area and for visitor and resource protection, park managers have decided to close all entrances to Sequoia National Park.
During this unprecedented fire year, park managers have had to evaluate how to best balance the responsibilities to the public as well as the mental welfare and physical safety of the staff. “With Three Rivers and the park headquarters under an evacuation notice, staff is focused on preparing to evacuate.” Acting Superintendent Lee Taylor “To ensure any pending evacuation goes as smoothly as possible we are closing the park to visitors.” Park managers send their sincere thanks and gratitude for the support received during this incident.
Kings Canyon National Park remains open at this time. Visitors will not be able to access Sequoia National Park from Highway 198 or Highway 180 out of Fresno. The Giant Forest and sequoia trees will be inaccessible to visitors. All park campgrounds will be closed with reservations cancelled and refunded. Mineral King Road remains closed at this time.
For more information on the SQF Complex, please visit inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7048
For information on air quality, please visit fire.airnow.gov