CalFire is actively combating three fires in the Fresno June Lightning Complex, including the Flash Fire at Kings Canyon Road, the Bolt Fire in Wonder Valley, and the Hog Fire near Watts Valley Road, with evacuation orders and warnings issued in affected areas of eastern Fresno County. (Cal Fire/Facebook)
- Fresno's June Lightning Complex fires have burned 9,224 acres with 18% containment for the Flash and Bolt Fires, and 40% for the Hog Fire.
- 288 personnel, 28 engines, eight dozers, four water tenders, and air tankers are deployed.
- Mandatory orders cover Zones K73, K75, and K77 south of Elwood Road, with additional zones under evacuation warnings.
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CalFire continues to battle three fires within the Fresno June Lightning Complex, caused by 1,000 lightning strikes during a storm on Monday.
The fires have now consumed 9,224 acres, CalFire reported Thursday.
There are 288 personnel on the scene and they are supported by 28 engines, eight dozers, and four water tenders. In addition, air tankers are flying suppression fire missions as conditions allow. Currently, 750 structures are threatened by the blaze.
As of Thursday morning, here are the latest updates from CalFire’s Facebook page:
Flash Fire
- Location: Kings Canyon Road and Cove Road
- Size: 3,600 acres (up from 2,180 acres on Wednesday)
- Containment: 18%
Bolt Fire
- Location: Wonder Valley area, Palomino Drive and Elwood Road
- Size: 5,358 acres (up from 4,556 acres on Wednesday)
- Containment: 18%
Hog Fire
- Location: Watts Valley Road near Hog Mountain Road
- Size: 266 acres (up from 180 acres on Wednesday)
- Containment: 40%
Related Story: Fresno County Activates Emergency Operations Center in Response to Lightning ...
Evacuations Orders and Warnings
In Fresno County, mandatory evacuation orders are in effect for Zones K73, K75, and K77 south of Elwood Road due to the Flash and Bolt Fire, with Highway 180 closed from Cove Road to Dunlap Road.
Evacuation warnings are issued for Zones K93, K72, K134, and K75 north of Elwood Road for both fires, advising residents to be prepared to leave if necessary.
The Red Cross has established an evacuation shelter at Reedley College (995 N. Reed Ave.) for those affected by the Flash Fire and Bolt Fire, offering safe shelter, water, meals, and resources for individuals and small pets.
Large animals can be accommodated at the Fresno Fairgrounds (1120 S. Chance Ave.)
Fresno Announces Local Emergency
On Thursday, Fresno declared a local emergency in response to the rapidly spreading fires.
The Board of Supervisors will convene a special meeting at 2:00 p.m. on Friday to officially ratify the local emergency.
This action will activate specific liability protections, grant emergency powers to the Emergency Services Director, and enable potential reimbursement of eligible costs from State and Federal emergency funds.
Visit www.fresnocountyemergency.com for updates on the wildfires, evacuations, road closures, shelter information, and more.
Air Quality Alert
Valley Air and the National Weather Service issued an air quality alert on Thursday in response to smoke affecting the San Joaquin Valley.
The District urges the public to take precautions to safeguard their health during wildfires.
Recommendations include staying indoors, using portable air cleaners or high-efficiency filters to reduce fine particle exposure, planning and creating a clean air room, and visiting clean air centers.
Related Story: Clean Air Centers Offer Relief From Wildfire Smoke. Check Out the Map.
You can visit the District’s Wildfire Prevention & Response page at www.valleyair.org/wildfires to get updates on wildfires impacting the Valley.
You can monitor air quality conditions by downloading the free “Valley Air” app on your mobile device or checking the EPA Fire and Smoke Map.
Residents in foothill or mountain communities should stay alert to emergency alerts and be ready to evacuate if necessary.
Press Conference Regarding the Lightning Complex Fires
Fresno County. (People and small animals). (GV Wire/Paul Marshall)
Affected By a Wildfire?
See these important safety steps you should take when returning back to your home after a wildfire.
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