September 22, 2024 - On Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, at 10 a.m., all road closures in Sequoia National Park due to the Coffee Pot Fire were lifted, allowing public access. Mineral King Road and its recreation areas, as well as the section of South Fork Road within Sequoia National Park, will reopen. Most trails accessed from these roads will also be available, except for the Lady Bug Trail, which will remain closed due to burned areas that remain hazardous and susceptible to invasive plant activity. Atwell Mill Campground will also reopen. 
 
After about a month of full suppression fire operations, the Coffee Pot Fire is currently 93 percent contained and does not show likelihood of moving into the areas that are reopening. Fire crews and engines will continue to be present on Mineral King Road and in the Horse Creek area. Drivers are reminded to use caution and be attentive and are also encouraged to use vehicle pullouts along the road when sightseeing.  
 
Reservations are now available on Recreation.gov for Atwell Mill Campground from Sept. 21 through Oct. 15, 2024, the end of the campground’s season.  
 
“I cannot express the level of gratitude and respect I have for all of the people, from cooperating agencies across the country, who have worked tirelessly to keep our parks and local communities safe during the Coffee Pot Fire,” said Superintendent Clay Jordan. “These are truly America’s heroes.” 
 
Management of the Coffee Pot Fire is transitioning on Saturday morning to a local Type 3 Incident Mangement Team, led by the parks’ fire operations staff. The fire is not expected to grow outside of the current footprint and will continue to be monitored at containment lines and overall, for any change in behavior. Any significant changes will be announced and posted to InciWeb at inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/caknp-coffee-pot-fire.  


Atwell Mill Campground Sign
Credit: NPS

Source: NPS