Three wildfires have been burning slowly over the past couple weeks in the Giant Sequoia National Monument, Sequoia National Forest.
The Rock Fire, which started because of lightning is burning a half mile south of Buck Rock Lookout in the hume Lake Ranger District. It has burned a tenth of an acre along the ground, under a canopy of red fir and lodge pole pine at an elevation of 8,000 feet.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, the fire is smoldering and creeping through downed woody material and dry brush. Firefighters are improving the roads and trails that surround the fire to use as containment lines if it continues to spread.
The Alder Fire, also caused by lightning is located five miles north of Camp Nelson in the Western Divide Ranger District and has grown to an estimated 10 acres since discovery on October 4.
Officials say that it is located in a dense timber stand with heavy fuels on the ground and multiple snags overhead, creating a safety concern for fire personnel.
The Mountaineer Fire, who's cause has not been determined at this time was discovered over the weekend and is burning north of Summit Trailhead in the Golden Trout Wilderness in the Western Divide Ranger District. The fire is an estimated half acre in size, according to officials and burning in heavy debris lying on the ground.
There are no closures in place for the Rock Fire at this time. An area closure for roads and trails surrounding Summit Trailhead in the Western Divide Ranger District is being set up to prevent the public from walking into the fire's path.
