Overview:
The declaration landed as firefighting in rural eastern Fresno County entered its fourth day and about two days after a new wildfire sparked east of Pine Flat Lake. The Basin Fire has consumed nearly 6,000 acres since breaking out early Wednesday.
Two of the largest wildfires burning in Fresno County merged Thursday as the string of lightning-strike fires swelled to more than 10,000 acres and 37% containment.
Fresno County supervisors plan to declare a local emergency on Friday “due to the rapid rate of growth in the Fresno June Lightning Complex Fire.”
The declaration activates local emergency powers and ensures liability protection for the county. The Board of Supervisors will meet at 2 p.m. at the Hall of Records in Fresno.
The declaration landed as firefighting in rural eastern Fresno County entered its fourth day and about two days after a new wildfire sparked east of Pine Flat Lake. The Basin Fire has consumed nearly 6,000 acres since breaking out early Wednesday.
KVPR reported that Monday’s lightning storm sparked at least 18 fires around California, including some of the largest burning in Fresno County. On Thursday, Cal Fire officials said two of the Fresno lightning fires — the Flash and Bolt fires — merged.
Evacuation orders remain in effect for homes around Yokuts Valley and Wonder Valley, along with an evacuation warning for homes east of Avocado Lake.
On Wednesday, Fresno County activated its emergency operations center to help coordinate communication and service for firefighters and evacuees. Authorities also established an emergency shelter at Reedley College Gymnasium, 995 N. Reed Ave., in Reedley.
“Small pets are welcome at the shelter,” authorities said in a news release, “families are advised to bring their pets’ food, supplies and carriers.”
Large animals should be transported to the Fresno County Fairgrounds. If you need assistance transporting animals, Fresno County asks you to follow the prompts available here.
Health experts continue to remind the public about the dangers posed by wildfire smoke, particularly to vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women.
Fresnoland’s wildfire smoke forecast system, gathered from federal weather models, showed the fire’s smoke drifting to the east, away from Fresno earlier this week.
Valley PBS remained off-air Friday after its transmitter tower and infrastructure on Bear Mountain were affected by the wildfires, KVPR reported.
