California firefighters race to protect ancient sequoia trees as wildfire spreads

Garnet fire threatens historic grove in Sierra national forest as it moves through Fresno county at 14% containment

Firefighters in California are racing to protect a historic grove of ancient giant sequoia trees in the Sierra national forest as the Garnet fire continues to spread through Fresno county.

The Garnet fire, which began on 24 August and was caused by lightning, reached McKinley Grove on Monday, the US Forest Service said. The grove is home to about 170 giant sequoia trees, some estimated to be 2,000 years old, according to the non-profit Save the Redwoods.