The Garnet Fire in Fresno County continues to burn in the Sierra National Forest has grown to 26,982 acres and is 12% contained, according to CalFire.

Evacuation orders have been issued for zones K27, K28, K30, K31, K32-A and K40 due to an immediate threat to life, and residents are required to leave the area now.

Evacuation warnings are in place for zones K29, K32-B, K74, K85 and K160, urging those who need extra time, or who have pets and livestock, to evacuate.

Update on the Garnet Fire

The Garnet Fire, which started Aug. 24, continues to challenge firefighters, though activity was reduced overnight by heavy smoke and limited air movement, the U.S. Forest Service said Tuesday morning.

The only notable activity occurred above Balch Camp, where flames slowly backed down a hill toward containment lines without causing problems.

Crews also observed fire north of Rodgers Ridge within proposed containment boundaries, but standing dead trees made the area inaccessible overnight.

Lightning Brings Additional Concerns

A 50% chance of thunderstorms is forecast to directly impact the fire, raising concerns about lightning strikes and strong, erratic winds that could trigger new blazes and threaten firefighter safety. Lightning was reported west of the fire around 3 a.m.

More than 1,470 personnel are assigned to the blaze.

Tuesday’s priorities include securing line on the road system within the Teakettle Experimental Forest to halt the fire’s northern spread, while crews also work to widen contingency lines.

Officials are evaluating additional spike camp locations, including Dinkey Creek facilities, to shorten travel times and increase time on the fireline.

California Team 10 holds initial attack responsibility for any new fire starts in the area.

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