Creek Fire live updates: Some evacuations downgraded, allowing for returns; poor air quality
The Creek Fire continues to burn through the Sierra National Forest and foothill communities. As of Monday morning, the fire has been active for nine days and has burned 212,744 acres. It remains 10% contained.
Full containment is not expected until mid-October, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
6 p.m.: Church overwhelmed with donations
Clovis Hills Community Church has been overwhelmed with donations for fire victims and first responders, and is no longer accepting any, according to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.
Anyone in need of items can visit the church at 10590 N. Willow Ave. in Clovis between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office said.
Officials recommend checking the church’s Facebook page for new updates.
2:30 p.m.: Southern zone evacuations changed to warnings
Evacuation orders were reduced in seven zones within the Creek Fire on Monday, allowing some people to return to their properties.
The zones are clumped on the fire’s southern edge, near Watts Valley and Hog Mountain and include Zone F5L, Zone F5M, Zone F5N, Zone F6A, Zone F13C, Zone F13D and Zone F13E.
Another set of orders were lifted in areas near Oakhurst, including M49, M50 and M51. Zone M52 has been reduced from an evacuation order to a warning.
Officials warned that residents who decide to return to their homes in warning areas should remain ready to leave the area immediately if ordered.
The zone correlate to specific locations, that can be fond on fire’s official evacuation map.
10 a.m.: Firefighters working the perimeter and preparing structures around Shaver Lake
Smoke, which has decreased fire behavior over the last several days, could clear at the higher elevations on Monday and lead to more intense fire activity, officials said. Fire crews have been scouting beyond the fire to the east to locate structures and other valued assets at risk.
The northeast portion of the Creek Fire is expected to see the most activity on Monday, though fire crews are working the perimeter and preparing structures around Shaver Lake in case the smoke clears in the lower elevation, especially around Blue Canyon.
Winds have increased fire activity in Jose Basin and pushed the fire across the line toward structures. Firefighters were engaged in structure protection in the area on Monday morning and will work to re-establish a perimeter control line and mop up hot spots as the wind shifts In the Tamarack area; crews are tying into roads and natural barriers between Rock Creek and Bald Mountain and working to strengthen lines around several spot fires in Tamarack Creek. Also, a fire line is being established around China Peak.
In Madera County, Firefighters are working to clear Road 81 and Mammoth Pool Road so utility companies can restore service before residents are allowed to return.
Protection measures are in place at Devil’s Post Pile National Monument and Red Meadows. Fire suppression work continues on the west side; miles of line extend from Redinger Lake north to Cascadel Woods and Central Camp, with dozer line circling communities and many dispersed structures. Crews continue to back-burn between the containment lines and the active fire front, working to declare additional sections of the perimeter contained.
Damage assessments in the area are in progress and Madera County will notify property owners directly as information becomes available.
For Fresno County, a website has been created to check on properties that have been assessed to date. Damage inspection teams continue to evaluate structure. Assessments are approximately 30% complete.
8 a.m.: Heavy smoke, bad air to remain through mid-week
It should be obvious, given the ash seen falling from the sky in many parts of the central San Joaquin Valley, but dense smoke from California’s wildfires, including the Creek Fire, continues to impact the air quality in the region and looks to remain heavy through Wednesday, at least.
The National Weather Service reports an upper-level ridge of high pressure shifting eastward to the Four Corners Region on Monday, keeping winds in the central Valley light for the next 48 hours.
“That means the smoke that’s upon us will have nowhere to go for the next two days and will essentially remain trapped,” the NWS said in its daily forecast discussion.
The densest smoke will be over the foothills and higher elevations of the Sierra.
High-altitude winds should come in by Wednesday, blowing smoke into Nevada and offer hope for improvement in air quality. “That’s no guarantee, especially if new fires break out over the higher terrain to our south and west during the next two days,” the NWS said.
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District is forecasting air quality levels in the region between 152-187, which falls into the unhealthy category. As of 8 a.m. Monday morning, the district’s Real-Time Air Advisory Network had Fresno’s particulate levels at three times the threshold for level five, where everyone should avoid outdoor activity.
7:30 a.m.: Unsolicited donation items are not needed at this time
Cal Fire reminds residents to check with local relief organizations before making donations to incident bases, especially donations of food.
Those donations can unintentionally overwhelm relief locations, Cal Fire said in a statement on Sunday.
“Despite best intentions, unsolicited donation items are not needed at this time.”
While the outpouring of support is appreciated, the fire’s Incident command posts and incident bases are set up to provide logistical support, including food and other supplies, to first responders for the duration of the incident. Everything is carefully regulated by local health and safety ordinances, as well as strict adherence to COVID-19 regulations.
Those wanting to donated should make arrangements with relief organizations.
This story was originally published September 14, 2020 at 8:35 AM with the headline "Creek Fire live updates: Some evacuations downgraded, allowing for returns; poor air quality."