Garnet fire threatens vulnerable grove of giant sequoias

The Garnet fire burning in the Sierra National Forest in Fresno County has come within three miles of a stately grove of giant sequoias.

The McKinley grove, home to roughly 200 behemoths, “is a major concern for us,” said Adrienne Freeman, a spokesperson for the U.S. Forest Service.

Approximately 1,800 firefighters have been battling the blaze, some laying down sprinkler line to shoot water onto the hulking trees, which can grow beyond 300 feet tall.

The safety measures are an effort “to keep the fire at a low intensity as it’s going through those groves.”

Flames have reached the southernmost point of the well-traveled McKinley Grove Road, which is being used “as a major containment feature,” she said. Crews have carried out strategic burns near the road to reduce fuels.

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