Creek Fire already 12th largest in California history. Concerns remain for wind forecast
The Creek Fire has burned 332 square miles of the Sierra National Forest and officials said Monday they expect gusty winds this week to add to the difficulty in fighting the blaze.
More than 212,700 acres have burned in wildfire that’s destroyed nearly 600 structures in Fresno and Madera counties, fire officials said Monday in a virtual news update.
The Creek Fire is already the 12th largest in the state’s history, CalFire officials said, and it is just 16% contained.
The next couple of days are expected to be sunny with highs in the low 90s, which is not ideal for fighting flames, fire officials said. Then on Thursday and Friday, wind is expected to pickup, which can help flames move.
The temperature is expected to drop late in the week, according to the National Weather Service in Hanford, but there is no rain in the forecast.
The poor air quality also affects how much air support can aid fire crews, according to Fire Chief Tyler Monroe of the Great Basin Team 1 Operations Section.
Fighting the flames
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 worked to re-establish a perimeter control line and mop up hot spots as the wind shifts In the Tamarack area.
A fire line is being established around China Peak, where crews also mopped up much of the day, officials said.
More than 2,900 people have evacuated the area and are receiving three meals a day, according to Jean Rousseau, the Fresno County chief administrative officer.
He said hundreds of pets and livestock removed from the area have filled the Clovis Rodeo grounds. So many of them, especially small animals, are expected to move to the Fresno Fairgrounds.
Madera County
In Madera County, firefighters worked 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.
The fire is about five miles from Bass Lake, officials said.
Evacuation orders
Evacuation orders were reduced in several 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 zones correlate to specific locations, that can be fond on fire’s official evacuation map.
This story was originally published September 14, 2020 at 8:55 PM with the headline "Creek Fire already 12th largest in California history. Concerns remain for wind forecast."
