A single burning giant sequoia in Board Camp Grove from the 2020 Castle Fire in the southwestern area of Sequoia National Park/NPS, T. Caprio

Winter, surprisingly, didn't douse all of last year's wildfires in Sequoia National Park in California's High Sierra.

Recently, National Park Service scientists and fire crews were surveying the effects from the 2020 Castle Fire in Sequoia National Park when they observed a still smoldering and smoking giant sequoia tree that appears to be caused from last year’s fire.

There are no current threats to life or property and fire managers are prepared to take action if conditions warrant. The burning giant sequoia is well inside of any fire lines and is away from any trails. It is located in the Board Camp Grove and there is no direct access via any trail system. However, it may be still visible from the Ladybug Trail that leaves eastbound from the South Fork Campground at the southern end of Sequoia.

“The fact areas are still smoldering and smoking from the 2020 Castle Fire demonstrates how dry the park is,” said Leif Mathiesen, assistant fire management officer for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks. “With the low amount of snowfall and rain this year, there may be additional discoveries as spring transitions into summer.”

Firefighters and park rangers want to take this opportunity to remind the public of the importance of staying on trails, being observant, having a plan, and letting someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return. It’s also important to let that someone know that you’ve returned.

Many of the areas impacted by last year’s wildfires in the parks are in wilderness. While day use does not require a separate permit from the parks’ entrance fee, any overnight stays do require an additional permit.