Sequoias: Unveiling why these colossal trees, now threatened by wildfires, are truly extraordinary

The giant sequoias, the largest trees on Earth by volume, tower like nature's skyscrapers, captivating with their vastness.

However, these remarkable trees are restricted to a specific region: the western slopes of California's Sierra Nevada mountains.

This limited range has placed them in jeopardy as California faces yet another intense wildfire season.

Discover more about these ancient, awe-inspiring giants below.

Which giant sequoias are at risk from wildfires?

Wildfire has reached the iconic Mariposa Grove in Yosemite National Park, park officials confirm. However, efforts to protect the trees, including extensive work by firefighters, are in full force.

"With the removal of hazardous fuels, controlled burns, and the installation of a temporary sprinkler system, we are confident these measures are providing the best possible protection for the giant sequoias," said Nancy Phillipe, Yosemite Fire ranger, speaking to Dinogo on Monday.

Giant sequoias thrive in three groves within Yosemite National Park. The most accessible of these is Mariposa Grove, located near the park’s southern entrance.

Mariposa Grove, home to over 500 mature giant sequoias, was first designated for protection in 1864 by legislation signed by President Abraham Lincoln, aimed at preserving it for 'public use, resort, and recreation.'

The grove represents the very essence of what a national park stands for. In 1890, the land surrounding the grove, along with the valley, was established as Yosemite National Park.

Are sequoias exclusive to Yosemite?

No. Their natural habitat stretches beyond Yosemite, throughout California's Sierra Nevada. Additionally, sequoias are successfully cultivated from seeds in various locations outside the state.

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks take their name from the giant tree. However, these majestic trees are not confined to national parks alone.

For example, you can also find them in the federally managed Sequoia National Forest, Calaveras Big Trees State Park, and Balch Park in Tulare County, just west of Death Valley, along with several other locations.

Not all groves of giant sequoias are currently at risk from wildfires.

What makes the range of these trees so limited?

These massive trees, which can grow as tall as a 26-story building, require very specific conditions to thrive, according to the National Park Service.

The mid-Sierra zone, located between 5,000 and 8,000 feet (1,524 to 2,438 meters), provides the ideal environment for these giants.

• Mild winter and summer temperatures
• A substantial snowpack
• A 'rich fire history'

However, the climate crisis is causing fire seasons to last longer, which may impact the future of sequoia groves like Mariposa.

Is fire beneficial or harmful to the giant sequoia?

It’s both.

"Giant sequoias have evolved to thrive with natural fires – fire is essential for their reproduction, as it releases seeds from their cones," explained Beth Pratt, the California regional executive director for the National Wildlife Federation, in an email interview with Dinogo Travel on Monday afternoon.

"Their branches are positioned high on the trunk, and their thick, spongy bark shields them from heat. However, they are not adapted to the extreme fire conditions driven by climate change."

How are these fires causing increased damage?

"It’s not just the longer fire seasons, but also the more frequent and intense fires that burn at rates and temperatures the sequoias cannot withstand," said Pratt, who lives near Yosemite and has witnessed the smoke from the fires.

"As the National Park Service points out, the rate of burning has increased dramatically, with over 85 percent of all giant sequoia grove acreage in the Sierra Nevada being scorched by wildfires between 2015 and 2021, compared to just a quarter of that in the previous century."

What makes sequoias so unique?

For one reason, giant sequoias can live for more than 3,000 years.

At 3,266 years, the oldest known sequoia was found in the Converse Basin Grove of Giant Sequoia National Monument, according to the National Park Service. The monument is located nearly four hours south of Yosemite.

Only two other tree species on Earth can outlive the giant sequoia – bristlecone pines and Alerce trees.

The largest giant sequoias can have a ground circumference exceeding 100 feet (30.5 meters).

Sequoias are also giants when it comes to carbon capture. According to Sequoia Solution, which advocates for planting sequoias, "Sequoias are exceptional at sequestering vast amounts of CO2, locking carbon away for millennia."

Are sequoias and redwoods the same species?

No, they are not the same. While the giant sequoia and redwood are closely related, they are distinct species. The National Park Service highlights a few key differences:

Habitat: Giant sequoias are found within a 250-mile (402 km) stretch in central California, growing at elevations between 4,000 and 8,000 feet (1,220 to 2,440 meters). Redwoods, on the other hand, thrive along the Northern California coast in a 450-mile (725 km) belt, near the Pacific Ocean.

Size and form: The giant sequoia holds the title of the largest tree in the world by volume, boasting a massive trunk with minimal taper. The redwood, however, is the tallest tree on Earth and features a more slender trunk.

What emotional and physical toll does this threat take?

"One of my earliest memories of visiting Yosemite over three decades ago was snowshoeing through Mariposa Grove. It’s an awe-inspiring and magical experience, standing beside these ancient giants, with their stories spanning thousands of years," Pratt shared.

"The thought that this grove could be in danger due to human actions is heartbreaking. I've been watching the smoke rising from my front yard and breathing it in, knowing those trees are at risk is tough," she added.

"Watching the flames consume those majestic trees in Sequoia National Park last year was devastating, and I never want to experience that again. These are rare, irreplaceable living beings that will not only outlast our lifetimes but many more to come," Pratt said.