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Fresno County Garnet Fire Expands to 17,561 Acres, 8% Contained
ANTHONY SITE PHOTO
By Anthony W. Haddad
Published 3 weeks ago on
August 30, 2025

The lightning-sparked Garnet Fire in Fresno County has burned 17,561 acres since Aug. 24 and is 8% contained., officials said Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. (U.S. Forest Service)

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Fire crews continued to make progress overnight against the Garnet Fire burning in the Sierra National Forest, which has grown to 17,561 acres and is 8% contained in Fresno County, officials said Saturday.

Evacuation orders remain in effect for zones K27, K30, K31, K32-A, and K40, while warnings are in place for K28, K29, K32-B, K74, K85, and K160.

A map of the Garnet Fire in Fresno County, showing current evacuation orders, warnings as of Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, morning. (CalFire)
A map of the Garnet Fire in Fresno County, showing current evacuation orders, warnings as of Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, morning. (CalFire)

The blaze, which started Sunday and was sparked by lightning, is being fought by 1,444 personnel, the U.S. Forest Service Reported.

Favorable Weather Helps Firefighters Fight Garnet Fire

Firefighters took advantage of favorable weather overnight to begin a critical firing operation around PG&E infrastructure at Balch Camp. That work is expected to continue as conditions allow.

Crews are constructing containment lines along the western side of the fire, pushing up Dinkey Creek and turning east to meet the fire’s edge.

Dozers are reopening old fire lines along the northern edge, supported heavily by aircraft, particularly around Patterson Bluffs.

The eastern side remains difficult to contain because of heavy vegetation and shifting winds. Multiple hotshot crews, along with dozers, are working to extend existing lines along Rodger’s Ridge from McKinley Road south to the Kings River.

On the southern edge, crews continue mop-up operations along the Kings River canyon, monitoring for rolling debris or sparks that could threaten containment.

Aircraft continue to play a significant role, including two super scoopers drawing water from Shaver Lake. Officials urged boaters to keep clear of the lake to allow uninterrupted water drops.

Fire officials reminded the public to use caution on roads near the fire area and to respect closures in place for firefighter and community safety.

A live update from U.S. Forest Service will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. on Facebook to provide the latest information and answer questions from the public.

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Anthony W. Haddad,
Multimedia Journalist
Anthony W. Haddad, who graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with his undergraduate degree and attended Fresno State for a MBA, is the Swiss Army knife of GV Wire. He writes stories, manages social media, and represents the organization on the ground.

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