U.S. Forest Service - Sequoia National Forest

U.S. Forest Service - Sequoia National Forest This page is a communication tool between the Sequoia National Forest, Giant Sequoia National Monument and the public.
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The Forest Service, a federal agency in the U.S. Department of Agriculture, administers the Sequoia National Forest which consists of three ranger districts. The Giant Sequoia National Monument has two separate sections; the northern portion located on the Hume Lake Ranger District near Dunlap, California, and the southern portion on the Western Divide Ranger District just east of Springville, Cal

ifornia. The Kern River Ranger District lies at the southern end of the forest near Lake Isabella. Mission
The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The Forest Service motto, "Caring for the Land and Serving People," captures the spirit of our mission, which we accomplish through five main activities:

Protection and management of natural resources on National Forest System lands. Research on all aspects of forestry, rangeland management, and forest resource utilization. Community assistance and cooperation with State and local governments, forest industries, and private landowners to help protect and manage non-Federal forest and associated range and watershed lands to improve conditions in rural areas. Achieving and supporting an effective workforce that reflects the full range of diversity of the American people. International assistance in formulating policy and coordinating U.S. support for the protection and sound management of the world's forest resources. Comment Policy: https://www.usda.gov/usda-comment-guidance

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Every year, the Exchange Club of Kern Valley, CA presents the Officer of the Year award to honor outstanding service in ...
05/29/2026

Every year, the Exchange Club of Kern Valley, CA presents the Officer of the Year award to honor outstanding service in the Kern River Valley community. This year, Officer Davis from the US Forest Service, Kern River Ranger District, received this distinction.

These awards highlight the sacrifices and dangers these law enforcement officers endure as they serve and safeguard our communities and the land, working diligently in cooperation with partner agencies.

This follows Officer Davis receiving the Officer of the Year award from Kern County Sheriff's Office for his role assisting two deputies, safely escaping during the Borel fire when their route was blocked while conducting emergency evacuations. We are proud of his accomplishments and commitment.

Round of applause for Officer Davis👏

Pictured: Officer Davis, District Ranger Chapman, & LEI Command Staff.

A sudden shift in weather conditions is moving through the Sequoia National Forest high country areas. If you're plannin...
05/28/2026

A sudden shift in weather conditions is moving through the Sequoia National Forest high country areas. If you're planning to travel, please take a moment to prepare.

🚗💨 Be ready:
• Check road conditions before you go
• Pack warm layers, blankets, and extra food/water
• Keep a full tank of gas and a charged phone
• Let someone know your travel plans

🌲Weather can change fast in the mountains — stay alert, stay prepared, and stay safe out there!

05/22/2026

Every year, lives are lost in the Kern River.

While first responders stand ready to answer the call, the truth is that river emergencies unfold quickly, and sometimes help cannot arrive in time.

That’s why the most important rescue is the one that never has to happen.

Whether you’re swimming, floating, fishing, or simply enjoying the water, wearing a properly fitted life jacket is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself and those you love.

🚨Spolight on our Neighbors!🚨On February 9th, 2025, Officer John Blakely of the Los Padres NF and two deputies from the S...
05/22/2026

🚨Spolight on our Neighbors!🚨

On February 9th, 2025, Officer John Blakely of the Los Padres NF and two deputies from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office responded to a distress call via GPS for a hiker stranded for approximately two days in the U.S. Forest Service - Los Padres National Forest.
The team dedicated significant physical and mental effort to locating and rescuing the hiker, who received first aid care and was evacuated by helicopter.

On May 6, 2026, Blakely and his interagency partners received the well-deserved Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office Lifesaving Award.

SAC Robinson echoed that we all take pride in LEO Blakley's actions, not only for the life-saving effort last year, but also for the dedication and professionalism that he demonstrates daily in service to the American public and the citizens of Santa Barbara County. His commitment is a testament to our agency’s values and mission.

Our law enforcement and partners are proof that teamwork and dedication truly drive their service to the public.

Pictured: Forest Service LEI, LEI Command Staff, LP Forest Supervisor and Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown.

❗️Hazard Reduction Reminder❗️Our firefighters and partner agencies, Kern County Fire Department, and BLM California Fire...
05/22/2026

❗️Hazard Reduction Reminder❗️

Our firefighters and partner agencies, Kern County Fire Department, and BLM California Fire Information, remind you that hazard reduction is due June 1st, every year in the Kern River Valley.

05/21/2026

🔥Willow Fire stopped at under 1 acre 🔥

At approximately 9:30 a.m. this morning, a vegetation fire was reported to emergency authorities, located in the Kern River Canyon, one mile west of the USFS Democrat fire station. The fire burned slowly uphill without significant winds as USFS engines and crews arrived on scene, took immediate suppression action, and stopped the fire at just under 1 acre.

Highway 178 was not significantly impacted due to the swift and aggressive firefighting response.

While the weather continues to become hotter and drier, we have seen a significant uptick in vegetation fires. We remind the public to stay safe, plan for alternate routes of travel in case of detours, and be firewise.

‼️Highway 178 to Re-open at 8:00 p.m.‼️Highway 178, the Kern River Canyon, is planned to re-open this evening at 8:00 p....
05/20/2026

‼️Highway 178 to Re-open at 8:00 p.m.‼️

Highway 178, the Kern River Canyon, is planned to re-open this evening at 8:00 p.m. if no new fire activity occurs.
Thank you Caltrans Central Valley District 6 and California Highway Patrol for your assistance on the .

  Update📌3,535 acres📌55% contained📌USFS still in Unified Command with Kern County Fire Department📌Highway 178 closed in ...
05/19/2026

Update

📌3,535 acres
📌55% contained
📌USFS still in Unified Command with Kern County Fire Department
📌Highway 178 closed in both directions
📌Check https://roads.dot.ca.gov/ for current road conditions

05/19/2026

&Road Closure Evening Update

📌2,330 acres
📌Crews will be staffing all night into tomorrow
📌USFS is in Unified Command with Kern County Fire Department
📌Breckenridge Rd. is closed west of Cattle Canyon and and east of Adelaide, as well as closed at Cow Flat Rd.
📌Highway 178 remains closed in both directions

🔥  Incident Update🔥USFS is in Unified Command with Kern County Fire Department working on the River Fire in the Kern Riv...
05/18/2026

🔥 Incident Update🔥

USFS is in Unified Command with Kern County Fire Department working on the River Fire in the Kern River Canyon, which has grown to 225 acres. As the fire continues to move up slope, up canyon, air attack is utilizing retardent to contain fire lines in areas too steep for ground resources to access by foot.
Our partners include Caltrans Central Valley District 6 as well as CHP - Bakersfield to keep the road closed as falling rocks and debris have affected Highway 178.

Address

220 E. Morton Avenue
Porterville, CA
93257

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 12pm
12:30pm - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 12pm
12:30pm - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 12pm
12:30pm - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 12pm
12:30pm - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 12pm
12:30pm - 4:30pm

Telephone

+15597841500

Alerts

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