Firefighters have wrapped the base of the world’s largest tree in a fire-resistant blanket as they try to save a famous grove of gigantic old-growth sequoias from wildfires burning in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains.
A fire spokeswoman said flames could reach the grove of 2,000 trees in the Sequoia National Park sometime Thursday.
The base of the colossal General Sherman Tree and some of the other giant sequoias and buildings in the Giant Forest have been wrapped as protection against the possibility of intense flames.
The KNP Complex is comprised of two fires that have burned a combined 9,365 acres as of Thursday afternoon, according to fire officials.
The flames were reportedly sparked by lightning last Friday, September 10.
The KNP Complex is 0% contained and fire officials say it continues to grow in all directions.
An evacuation order is in place for part of the community of Three Rivers.
Sequoia National Park is closed to the public. Kings Canyon National Park remains open, but smoke is impacting the air quality.
More than 350 fire personnel are assigned to the fire.
