The Garnet Fire burning in the Sierra National Forest has grown to 9,170 acres with no containment, the U.S. Forest Service said Wednesday.

Fresno County officials announced Tuesday that Avocado Lake Park will be closed as crews respond to the fire.

Cal Fire reported evacuation orders for zones K27, K30, K31, K32-A and K40, along with evacuation warnings for zones K28 and K29.

Fire Suppression Efforts

The fire began Sunday and remained relatively quiet overnight into Wednesday morning as crews took advantage of rainfall to work directly along the fire’s edge. About 800 personnel are assigned to the blaze, which is being fought under full suppression efforts.

Firefighters are prioritizing protection of PG&E infrastructure and structures in and around Balch Camp on the eastern side. Dozers and large air tankers are reopening old fire lines on the steep, inaccessible north side, while containment work continues along the Kings River.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Crews are also addressing several smaller lightning-sparked fires nearby, including the 2-acre Deer Fire and the Garlic Fire, which is under 1 acre. Both showed no growth in the past day.

Officials warned that thunderstorms remain a concern, with gusty winds posing challenges to firefighting efforts and potentially grounding aircraft. A partial forest closure is in place around the fire area.

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