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While the KNP complex fire continues to burn through Sequoia National Park, some evacuees are trying to find hotel rooms in the area.

Officials update evacuation orders and warnings. On Tuesday, residents of the park and Ash Mountain were ordered to evacuate. Parts of the Upper Three Rivers were abandoned later on Tuesday.

From Exeter to Lindsay to Visalia, hotels and motels had few places for evacuees, and rooms fill up quickly.

The Comfort Inn and Suites at Sequoia Kings Canyon has no availability as the hotel is home to a handful of firefighters as well as some evacuees, according to hotel management.

In Exeter, the Best Western Inn and Suites has helped several evacuees affected by the KNP complex. The hotel had few rooms available starting at $ 169 tonight and Wednesday and doesn’t allow pets.

The Super 8 in Lindsay is only available to a limited extent in the next few days and allows pets. Room rates are currently around $ 135.

A little further away from the fire, the Comfort Suites in the Visalia Convention Center will have several openings in the next few days, both single and double rooms. The hotel does not allow pets and prices are currently $ 170.

The Lamp Liter Inn has reported openings over the week starting at just over $ 100, and availability is limited for the coming weekend. The Lamp Liter Inn allows pets under 25 pounds.

Mandatory evacuation orders expanded after the KNP complex tripled within a few hours from Monday evening to Tuesday morning. The Red Cross has evacuation shelter at the Woodlake Community Center at 145 N. Magnolia Street in Woodlake.

The Woodlake site is open all night. Residents who need help with evacuation can call 2-1-1.

The Paradise Fire burned approximately 4,820 acres while the Colony Fire burned approximately 1,040 acres by Tuesday evening.

Evacuations

Several areas have been evacuated, including the following areas from Three Rivers:

The entire Mineral King Road, from the intersection with Highway 198 to the end of the street, areas along Sierra King Drive, Crest Lane, Hammond Drive, and Oak Grove Drive, and areas along Highway 198 from the intersection with Mineral King Road Entrance station of the Sequoia National Park.

The following areas are under an evacuation warning:

All buildings and areas within Edison Drive, Cherokee Oaks Drive, Crystal Drive, Grouse Drive, Elk Drive, Meadow Drive, Quail Drive, Oak Ridge Drive, Ferndale Drive, Terminus Drive, Pierce Drive, and Red Tail Lane.

Lauren Jennings reports on education and news for the Visalia Times-Delta / Tulare Advance Register. Follow her up Twitter @lolojennings. Get notifications and stay up to date on all things Tulare County for just $ 1 a month. Subscribe today.