Junction View on Hwy 180 between Grant Grove and Cedar Grove in Sequoia National Forest/NPS, Farrah Keifer

Kings Canyon National Park in California was closed to the public Tuesday due to the approaching KNP wildfire complex that previously led to the closure of Sequoia National Park next door.

The closure order came as the fire complex grew to cover more than 25,000 acres and sent heavy, choking clouds of smoke over the two parks and surrounding areas.

The order applied to all lands within the boundaries of Sequoia National Park west of the Pacific Crest Trail along with all lands of Kings Canyon National Park west of the Pacific Crest Trail and south of the ridgeline that lies north of Ionian Basin.

Residents of the Wilsonia Community and Park Service housing were being allowed into the area. Travel directly through Grant Grove along the Highway 180 corridor will continue to be permitted, though stopping along the highway is prohibited, a park release said.

The fire, which was burning through standing live timber, dead snags, and through chaparral and short grasses, was also running through the crowns of trees and making upslope runs.