As of Tuesday morning, 951 personnel supported by 23 crews, 51 engines, and seven helicopters, were battling the Basin Fire northeast of Pine Flat Lake, forest service officials said.

Containment grew to 17% for the wildfire, which is 13,166 acres. It is burning mostly in dry, dense grass at elevations between 2,000 and 4,500 feet in the scar left by the 2015 Rough Fire.

The cause of the fire, which started on Wednesday, June 26, is under investigation, authorities said.

California: Heavy equipment, crews, and aviation continue to work the Basin Fire on the Sierra National Forest. The fire is 13,166 acres and 17% contained. #cafire #cawx #wildfire #basinfire
“Crews were able to access the western flank of the fire directly from the recently… pic.twitter.com/piZgwCzomL

— The Hotshot Wake Up (@HotshotWake) July 2, 2024

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Incident Commander’s Report

The majority of the burning on Monday came on the western edge and northwest corner of the fire. Crews accessed the fire’s western flank directly from a recently improved road and contained a spot fire that started near Lower Rancheria Creek, tying it in with the fire’s main body.

Bulldozers have constructed a contingency line west of the fire, which will tie in with existing roads to form fuel breaks around the west and north of the fire. Fire crossed the control line on the northern edge of the fire near Rogers Ridge, but firefighters were able contain it quickly.

There was no movement on the southern edge of the fire, which continues to hold along the Kings River corridor. Three spike camps have been set up closer to the fire perimeter, which will allow crews to overnight near the fire, reducing travel time and allowing them to spend more time on the fire line.

Evacuations, Closures, Air Quality

There are mandatory evacuation orders for Fresno County zones K29, K30, K31, K40, K41, K166.  Evacuation warnings are in effect for zones K61, and K76. Check the Fresno County Evacuation map: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=e7d6006a016a444db8b210ac4d2eb5cf

The Sierra National Forest has implemented new temporary fire restrictions prohibiting campfires, welding, and smoking in non-developed campsites. Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sierra/alerts-notices for full details of the fire restrictions and Forest Order.

The Sierra National Forest issued a Temporary Forest Closure for the Basin Fire area through July 30. Click on https://www.fs.usda.gov/sierra for the forest order and area map.

Road closure signs have been placed on the perimeter of the fire.  The public should review which roads are closed before traveling into the area because no one will be allowed to enter zones under evacuation warnings. To access websites showing both evacuation orders, road closures and many other emergency resources, visit: http://www.fresnocountyemergency.com

Visit AirNow to find out the Air Quality Index in your area. As smoke gets worse, the amount of particles in the air changes — and so do the steps you should take to protect yourself. AirNow recommends precautions to protect your health when air pollution gets bad.

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