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Four famous giant sequoias, known as "The Four Guardsmen," came out unscathed as wildfires reached the edge of the Giant Forest in Sequoia National Park.
According to Patch, fire agencies were able to save the legendary trees from the KNP Complex fire by wrapping the base of the trees in fire-resistant blankets and clearing out nearby vegetation.
The fire burned more than 23,743 acres in sequoia country as of Monday morning (September 20).
"Generally fires can be destructive however low-intensity fires can be beneficial to giant sequoia trees. A damage assessment will be done in these groves when it is safe to do so," a Sequoia National Forest statement said Sunday, September 19.
The KNP Complex fire started when two lightning-sparked fires merged on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada, reports Patch.
The fire forced an evacuation of the park last week. According to Patch, the fire was zero percent contained as of Monday.
In California, there are currently over 10,000 firefighters battling 11 major fires and two extended attack wildfires. On Sunday firefighters had contained at least 14 new fires, according to a report from Cal Fire.
A Red Flag Warning was put into effect for much of Northern California as smoke from the fires comes in.
Residents are encouraged to reduce driving and stay inside with windows and doors closed until the air quality improves.