Wishon Fire nears containment, threat of another Sequoia National Forest wildfire 'very high'

A wildfire burning above Springville is nearly contained, but the threat of another Sequoia National Forest fire remains, "very high."

As of Monday, the Wishon Fire was estimated at 325 acres with 95% containment. Power had been restored to SCE customers, and evacuation warnings for Wishon Camp and Doyle Springs were lifted.

The acreage of the fire has shifted as more crews assess the damage.

The fire was reported on Aug. 15, at the Tule River Canyon near The Stairs on the Western Divide Ranger District of the Sequoia National Forest. 

Additionally, California Highway Patrol lifted all road closures.

SCICON, an outdoor school and conservation operated by Tulare County Office of Education, is not far from where the fire is burning. There are no students on campus this week due to the fire, SCICON director Dianne Shew said.

"Working with county and state fire agencies, we will continue to monitor the threat of the fire to determine when it’s safe for students to return to campus," Shew added.

Firefighters from USDA Forest Service, CAL FIRE, Tulare County, and surrounding agencies responded to the Wishon Fire. At its peak, roughly 328 firefighters were assigned to wildfire.

As the Wishon Fire nears full containment, firefighters will focus on removing equipment used during the firefighting effort. These items are then cleaned and put back into service for future fires, forest service officials said.

Drivers are asked to use caution and drive slow.

"Despite the reduced threat of the Wishon Fire, fire season is far from over and the health and safety of the public and fire personnel remains a high priority," local fire officials stated on Monday. "The fire danger rating for the Sequoia National Forest is currently very high and fire restrictions remain in place."

Forest service officials placed fire restrictions on campfires, welding, or smoking on all public lands managed by the forest service below 5,000 feet. Campfires are only allowed above 5,000 feet in developed campgrounds managed by the forest service or  Rocky Mountain Recreation Company.

The Sequoia National Forest covers over 1.1 million acres in three counties of Southern California and "offers an abundance of recreation opportunities for people to enjoy," according to forest service officials.

This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Threat of another Sequoia National Forest wildfire 'very high'