Large areas of Sequoia National Park have closed due to raging wildfires ignited by lightning strikes last week.
Regions of the park were shut off from the public as early as Friday because of the KNP Complex Fire, comprised of the Colony and Paradise Fires, attacking the west side of the forest.
The most recent closures on Sunday night included the Lodgepole Campground, Wuksachi Lodge, Giant Forest/Lodgepole and Quail Flat Gate.
Both blazes were sparked by a "significant lightning event" Thursday night and as of Sunday were still 0% contained.
"These fires are growing and have potential to affect park infrastructure and resources," officials said in a release. "The parks are aggressively attacking these fires to suppress them."
The Paradise Fire, located south of the middle fork of the Kaweah River, has scorched 807 acres and is only accessible by air resources. Meanwhile, the Colony Fire, located in the Yucca Drainage near Crystal Cave Rd., has burned 230 acres, and while crews have been able to make some progress, large amounts of dead trees in the area pose a major safety concern.
The Park Service noted that more closures could occur in the coming days.
Visitors to the park should expect poor air quality and could see active fires from some vista points.
KCBS Radio has reached out to the park service for updated closure information and has not heard back.
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