Garnet Wildfire Threatens 2,000-Year-Old Giant Sequoias in California

A wildfire named Garnet, sparked by lightning in August, is rapidly spreading through California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, threatening some of the oldest living trees on Earth. The fire has already scorched over 222 km², with only about 14% under control as of September 9, according to the U.S. Forest Service’s interagency InciWeb system.

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The McKinley Grove, a historic forest home to around 200 giant sequoias, is at the center of firefighting efforts. Some of these iconic trees are estimated to be 2,000 years old and stand taller than 70 meters. Fortunately, officials confirmed that, as of September 8, none of these ancient giants have been completely destroyed.

Firefighters are using emergency measures to protect the grove, including installing water systems, placing hoses around the trees, and clearing flammable vegetation from the area. Aircraft have also been deployed to drop fire retardant over affected zones.

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Experts note that McKinley Grove is among the five most vulnerable giant sequoia forests. Decades of fire suppression, ongoing drought, and dead trees have unintentionally created ideal “fuel” conditions for wildfires like Garnet. Since 2015, nearly 20% of mature giant sequoias have been lost to increasingly severe wildfires.

The office of California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued warnings and evacuation orders for areas within the Sierra National Forest in Fresno County. So far, no property damage has been reported.

Giant sequoias, found only on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada, are some of the longest-living organisms on the planet, making the current threat from Garnet fire a serious concern for conservationists and forest enthusiasts alike. Organizations such as the Save the Redwoods League continue to support emergency actions to protect these ancient natural treasures.

 REUTERS

As the Garnet wildfire continues, the efforts to safeguard McKinley Grove highlight the delicate balance between California’s wildfire-prone landscapes and the preservation of its most iconic trees.

Trus Lee