The section of the Kings Canyon drainage in question contained slopes of eighty to ninety degrees, too steep for ground crews to work safely in.

Forest Service experts considered the chances of quelling the fire with air power alone impracticable.

[4][11] By August 6, a week after ignition, authorities reported the fire as having burned 500 acres (200 ha) with no containment.

[16] On September 10, officials at Kings Canyon National Park began evacuating all visitors and employees from the Wilsonia and General Grant Grove areas.

[4] Light rain fell in Sierra/Sequoia National Forests and Kings Canyon, allowing firefighters to access the fire directly instead of preparing control lines at a distance.

[18] On September 15, as the fire slowed and with favorable weather conditions, evacuation orders and warnings in Dunlap and Squaw Valley were lifted.

[25] On September 11, Fresno health officials reported an unprecedented increase in hospital emergency department visits due to respiratory problems, and urged residents to avoid outdoor activities when the air is smoky.