The lightning-sparked Garnet Fire in the Sierra National Forest has burned 54,925 acres in Fresno County, with 14% containment as of Tuesday morning, the U.S. Forest Service said. (U.S. Forest Service)
- The lightning-sparked Garnet Fire has burned 54,925 acres in Sierra National Forest, with 2,226 personnel working toward 14% containment.
- Evacuation orders cover Zones K27, K28, K29, K30, K31, K32A, K40, K61A and K166, with additional zones under warnings.
- Firefighters strengthened containment lines overnight, using favorable weather for strategic firing, while new helicopters and military aircraft boosted aerial support.
Share
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Garnet Fire in the Sierra National Forest grew to 54,925 acres Tuesday morning as crews worked on containment lines across multiple fronts, federal officials said.
The blaze, sparked by lightning on Aug. 24, was 14% contained as of 9 a.m. Tuesday, according to the U.S. Forest Service. A total of 2,226 personnel are assigned to the fire.
Evacuation Orders, Warnings
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office announced new evacuation warnings on Monday.
Evacuation orders for Zones K27, K28, K29, K30, K31, K32A, K40, K61A and K166 due to the Garnet Fire, urging residents to leave immediately, CalFire reported.
Evacuation warnings are in place for Zones K26, K32B, K41, K60, K61B, K74, K76, K85, K160 and K165, advising residents to be prepared to evacuate if conditions worsen.
Fire Activity Remains Moderate, Officials Said
Fire activity remained moderate overnight, with flames pushing toward the western edge south of Fence Meadow Lookout and continuing to burn heavy timber on the north, northwest and east flanks, officials said.
Firefighters contained several small spot fires across the western perimeter and used favorable evening weather to conduct strategic firing operations south from Dinkey Mountain toward Nutmeg Glen and north toward McKinley Grove Road.
Crews along the northern flank focused on strengthening containment lines along Snow Corral Road, clearing hazard trees and holding fire at the road.
To the east, crews worked to keep flames within the current footprint and prepared for future firing operations by building hose lays and removing dangerous trees.
On Tuesday, officials said firefighters planned to continue strategic firing along McKinley Grove Road, while also scouting and extending contingency lines to the north and west. Work was also underway to improve ridges on the eastern flank for additional containment efforts.
Aerial support has been bolstered with four additional night-capable helicopters arriving Monday, along with two military helicopters assigned to the incident.
Other aircraft are continuing to assist ground crews as conditions allow.
—
Connect with Anthony W. Haddad on social media. Got a tip? Send an email.
RELATED TOPICS:
Categories
