‘A big baked potato.’ Ranger station wrapped in foil as California wildfire closes in

Mark Price
·2 min read

A ranger station in Sequoia National Forest has been wrapped in foil like “a big baked potato” to shield it from a wildfire, and the jokes just keep coming on social media.

Photos of the sealed-up Kern Canyon Ranger Station were shared Wednesday on Facebook by the U.S. Forest Service, and the images look as outrageous as they sound. Only a chimney was left sticking out, making the structure look like a large, badly wrapped Christmas gift.

Facebook users quickly chimed in.

“This is a thing?” one person asked.

“Where does one even get that much tin foil?”

“Add a bow and leave it for the rangers.”

“I knew tinfoil hats would come in handy.”

One team of firefighters spent two weeks trying to shield the station from the massive fire (called #SQFComplex), which continues to burn about 85 miles southeast of Fresno. Details of their efforts were shared Wednesday, as part of one firefighter’s written report, the U.S. Forest Service said.

“The main structure stood tall in the center of the clearing, sparkling and reflecting the sunlight. A truly incredible sight,” the firefighter wrote.

Firefighters use protective wrap around the G.W. Bush Sequoia Tree in Freeman Creek Grove during the Sequoia National Forest wildfire.
Firefighters use protective wrap around the G.W. Bush Sequoia Tree in Freeman Creek Grove during the Sequoia National Forest wildfire.

“It had been entirely wrapped and secured in structure-wrap (similar looking to aluminum foil). ... As my crew mate and I finished the job, I couldn’t help but to feel like I was wrapping Christmas presents for my family. Each piece wrapped tight and secured with way too much tape, as my mother would say.“

Structure-wrap is a “fire resistant aluminum barrier which protects combustible structures” from burning embers and “radiant heat,” according to Firezat inc, which sells the wrap.

The same wrapping was also used to save some of the famously large trees in the national forest, including the G.W. Bush Sequoia Tree in Freeman Creek Grove, officials said. The Freeman Creek area is known for having multiple trees that are 15 to 20 feet diameter, according to the forest service.

More than 1,400 firefighters have worked to try and put out the fire in Sequoia National Forest, which has burned more than 152,000 acres, according to the Incident Information System. The wildfire is currently listed as 61% contained. Experts believe it was caused by lightning in August, the site reports.

Many of those who commented on the U.S. Forest Service post about the ranger station have called the firefighters “heroes,” and thanked them for their service. “You guys are angels!” one person posted.