Up to 13,000-plus sequoias have died

The wildfires that have burned in California in the last two years have killed an estimated 9,761 to 13,737 sequoias. The death toll amounts to nearly a fifth of Earth’s largest trees. 

“The sobering reality is that we have seen another huge loss within a finite population of these iconic trees that are irreplaceable in many lifetimes,” said Clay Jordan, superintendent of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. “As spectacular as these trees are, we really can’t take them for granted. To ensure that they’re around for our kids and grandkids and great grandkids, some action is necessary.”