Creek Fire live updates: Latest evacuation orders lifted; weather expected to fuel fire

The Creek Fire, already the largest single wildfires in state history, grew by 1,770 acres overnight, officials reported Monday morning.

Cal Fire officials said the fire remained 39% contained, with 304,604 total acres burned. The containment date has been pushed back to Oct. 31, and its cause remains under investigation.

The fire is located along both sides of the San Joaquin River near Mammoth Pool, Shaver Lake, Big Creek, and Huntington Lake.

In the south zone of the fire, officials on Monday said the flames would burn toward the 80 Road and Potter Pass. A spot fire south of China Peak was expected to burn east toward the Dinkey Lakes Wilderness. The spot fire was threatening the containment lines but remained inside the control lines early Monday. It was expected to slow as it moved toward Ansel Adams Wilderness.

Stacey Nolan, PIO with Cal Fire, said there was little new activity around the Dinkey Lakes area on Monday morning.

Residents should expect more visible smoke due to a planned firing operation along Kaiser Pass Road.

On the north side, the fire was burning in Chetwood Creek, Norris Lake, East Fore Chiquito, and Northeast of Little Shuteye Peak, and south of Whisky Falls. Officials expected the fire to progress northeast, towards Cattle Mountain.

As areas under evacuation warnings continue to repopulate, officials urge residents and business owners to do so safely.

That includes adhering to posted speed limits, following utility providers’ guidance, and manufacturer recommendations on equipment like generators. Heavy machinery and firefighting apparatus continue to operate in these areas.

7 p.m.: Spot fire near China Peak put out

Fire officials announced during a Monday night news conference that the south zone at Jose Basin had stopped fire growth in the last couple of days.

The fire remained 39% contained, with 304,604 total acres burned.

In Burrough Valley, crews were gaining containment and mopping up fires in the area. Crews also continue to mop up areas near Shaver Lake and continue to monitor.

The area north of Huntington Lake was still experiencing some flames that crews are currently pushing on. A spot fire also threatened the containment lines just south of China Peak, but officials said the it was quickly contained only burning up to two acres.

Incident Meteorologist Mark Pellerito said air pushing the smoke in the area and warm temperatures worked against crews Monday.

The Madera County Sheriff’s Office announced that evacuation orders were reduced to warnings in the areas of Kinsman Flat and Saginaw Creek. Officials urged residents to take caution when returning home as utilities have not been fully restored and to be cautious of increased fire traffic. According to PG&E, 795 customers remain without power.

2 P.M.: Evacuation orders lifted

Fresno County lifted evacuation orders in the following zones on Monday afternoon. There are no longer any restrictions on these areas.

F1K – South boundary is the dead end of Burrough Mountain Road. West boundary is Tollhouse Rock, north boundary is the intersection of Tollhouse Road and Burrough Mountain Road. East boundary is the excludes the west properties located off of Fire Road.

F1M – South boundary is at the southern extension of properties off of Natoma Road. West boundary is the intersection of Tollhouse Road and Shaver Springs Road. North boundary is the intersection of Highway 168 and Tollhouse Road (Includes both sides of Tollhouse Road). East boundary is the intersection of Peterson Road and Cripe Road.

F1N – South boundary is the intersection of Sycamore Creek and Vincent Fire Road. The west boundary consists of (including) the west properties off of Fire and Cripe Road. The north boundary is the intersection of Tollhouse Road and Cressman Road. The east boundary is the intersection of Cressman Road and Glenwood Lane, as well as the area west of 37887 Peterson Road.

In Madera County, evacuation orders were reduced to evacuation warnings in M4B Kingsman Flat and M17A Hogue Ranch. That means only residents can return, and might have to evacuate again at any time.

Visit the evacuation map for more details.

The following road closures are being enforced: Huntington Lake Road at Musick Peak Road; Highway 168 at South Fork Tamarack Creek; and Peterson Road east of Cripe Road.

Officials urge residents to obey all traffic control signs, as fire crews and utility companies remain in the area to put out any fire concerns and restore utilities and infrastructure.

Trees and poles with deep charring should be considered hazardous. If you see electrical wires on the ground, stay clear and contact PG&E. The hotline for fire-related inquiries or concerns is (877) 295-4949.

11 A.M.: Small animals moved to new shelter

Most small animals displaced by the Creek Fire, like dogs, cats and rabbits, have returned to their owners. The remaining small animals have been moved from the Fresno Fairgrounds to the county animal shelter in Fresno, located at 760 W. Nielsen.

According to county spokesman Jordan Scott, that’s because it’s “easier for staff to manage and its more accommodating as far as the current needs go.”

Large livestock remain at the fairgrounds, but officials are looking at transitioning to another location soon for similar reasons, Scott added.

9:30 A.M.: Weather expected to intensify fire

A combination of drier air, brought along by winds that began midday Sunday, and increasing temperatures through midweek will increase fire behavior in all areas of the fire, according to the Cal Fire update.

As a result of drier conditions, fuels will be able to preheat earlier in the day and hot spots will show more open flame and smoke.

This story was originally published September 28, 2020 at 8:56 AM with the headline "Creek Fire live updates: Latest evacuation orders lifted; weather expected to fuel fire."