Fresno County’s Garnet Fire in the Sierra National Forest has grown to 16,467 acres with no containment as of Friday morning, the U.S. Forest Service said.

CalFire said evacuation orders are in place for zones K27, K30, K31, K32A and K40, while warnings have been issued for zones K28, K29, K32B, K74, K85 and K160.

The fire, which began on Sunday, remains under investigation as to its cause. More than 1,100 personnel are now assigned to the blaze, operating out of the Avocado Lake Incident Command Post.

Crews Work Overnight to Fight the Blaze

Crews overnight focused on aggressive mop-up operations along the steep southern edge near the Kings River. A strategic firing plan is being prepared from Bailey Bridge to Balch Camp to protect critical infrastructure, though officials said weather and fire behavior would determine when it could be safely carried out.

On the fire’s western side, bulldozers and hand crews are pushing north along Secate Ridge and the 10S69 Road to slow the spread.

Aircraft have dropped heavy retardant in the area to allow time for line construction, a tactic expected to continue through the day.

The fire was active overnight around the Balch Power Plant and has now reached the river. Firefighters have been preparing the facility for days and are working to keep it safe.

Crews Improve Containment Lines From Rough Fire

The blaze is holding on existing lines from the 2015 Rough Fire in the Mule Creek area, where crews are improving containment lines.

Officials said growth is expected to continue, particularly to the north and east as the fire aligns with heavily vegetated drainages.

Forecasts call for seasonably warm weather with winds likely to push flames up canyon during the day and down canyon overnight.

A partial forest closure is in place around the fire area to allow crews to work and to protect public safety.

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