The Garnet Fire has burned nearly 14,000 acres in the Sierra National Forest since it ignited on Sunday, with no containment as of Thursday morning, the U.S. Forest Service reported.

CalFire reported evacuation orders at zones K27, K30, K31, K32-A, and K40. Evacuation warnings are in effect for zones K28 and K29.

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

How Firefighters Are Attacking the Wildfire

Firefighters assigned to the blaze, which remains of undetermined origin, have focused on protecting infrastructure near Balch Camp and assessing structures within the Teakettle Experimental Area, including the Patterson Mountain Lookout.

Crews are using dozers and large air tankers to reopen old roads and fire lines in an effort to slow the fire’s northern spread and minimize its footprint near McKinley Grove.

Fire activity was most significant to the north overnight, while the southeast edge held north of the Kings River. Large dead trees from previous bark beetle infestations continue to challenge firefighting efforts.

Weather is expected to remain warm and dry, with stronger winds along ridgetops. Afternoon humidity may rise with thunderstorms to the north and northeast, though no lightning is forecast over the fire area.

Nearly 1,000 personnel are assigned to the fire, and officials are urging residents and visitors to exercise caution on roadways, be aware of fire equipment, and prevent additional fire starts. Fireworks are prohibited on national forest lands year-round.

Pyrocumulonimbus Clouds

Visible pyrocumulus clouds are likely to develop as temperatures warm. According to Meteorologist Chris Nunley, the Garnet Fire produced a pyrocumulonimbus cloud that was nearly 40,000 feet high.

“Pyrocumulonimbus clouds are thunder clouds created by intense heat from the Earth’s surface. They are formed similarly to cumulonimbus clouds, but the intense heat that results in the vigorous updraft comes from fire, either large wildfires or volcanic eruptions,” explains the Royal Meteorological Society.

A video explanation of pyrocumulonimbus clouds  is at this link.

—

Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email.