THREE RIVERS, Calif. (KMPH) — Crews are getting the Giant Forest ready before the KNP Complex Fire reaches the famous grove of ancient trees.

They are removing fuel and applying structure wrap on some of the iconic monarch sequoias that characterize the most famous area of Sequoia National Park. The wrapping can withstand high temperatures for short periods. It has been used by federal officials for years to protect sensitive areas from wildfires.

Lightning started the KNP Complex last Thursday when a storm came through the area.

The complex is made up of two different wildfires; the Paradise Fire and the Colony Fire.

The Paradise Fire is currently 7,352 acres, and the Colony Fire is currently 2,013 acres, for a combined total for the KNP Complex of 9,365 acres, with 0% containment.

The fires forced the evacuation of the park, and parts of the town of Three Rivers outside the main entrance remained evacuated Thursday. A bulldozer was cutting a line between the fire and the community.

___

Editor's note: The Associated Press contributed to this report.