Firefighters try to corral California forest blaze as lightning strikes bring risk of new ignitions
Share and Follow


FRESNO, Calif. (AP) — Firefighting crews tried to corral a fast-growing blaze churning through central California’s Sierra National Forest as forecasters warned Tuesday that lightning strikes from thunderstorms could spark new ignitions.

Since breaking out Sunday afternoon, the Garnet Fire has scorched 14 square miles (36 square km) of grass, chaparral and timber in a remote area known for camping and hiking about 60 miles (97 km) east of Fresno. There was no containment.

Firefighters were aided by scattered rain showers as they worked to protect the tiny Balch Camp community and nearby hydroelectric facilities along the Kings River, according to a Tuesday incident report.

“However, continued strong, erratic winds on top of dry, heavy vegetation will likely test containment efforts,” the report said.

Parts of central and northern California are under red flag warnings for increased fire threat from dry lightning that could accompany thunderstorms, the National Weather Service said.

The 10-square-mile (26-square-km) Pickett Fire in Napa County wine country saw little growth Monday as crews kept flames contained to canyons about 80 miles (130 km) north of San Francisco. It was 17% contained on Tuesday.

There have been no reports of damage to any vineyards from the fire, a spokesperson for the trade group Napa Valley Vintners said Monday.

In central Oregon, rain and cooler temperatures helped crews make progress against the Flat Fire, which has charred 34 square miles (88 square km) of rugged terrain in Deschutes and Jefferson counties since igniting in dry, hot weather last Thursday. It was 7% contained on Tuesday.

“The incident, for the first time in the last three days, is really beginning to stabilize,” Travis Medema, the state’s chief deputy state fire marshal, told a community meeting Monday night.

Authorities at one point ordered evacuations for more than 4,000 homes but lifted orders for some areas on Monday.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
WATCH: Three Florida teenagers arrested in viral ‘door kick challenge’ targeting homeowners

Viral ‘Door Kick Challenge’ Lands Three Florida Teens in Hot Water: Watch the Shocking Footage

Florida teens arrested for viral ‘door kick challenge’ On November 23, the…
Airline in hot water after agent RIPS UP passenger's boarding passes

Airline Faces Scrutiny Following Incident of Agent Destroying Passenger Boarding Passes

WestJet, a leading airline in Canada, is under fire after an incident…
National Guard shooting suspect shouted 'Allahu Akbar,' was struck by return fire and subdued by witness: feds

National Guard Shooting Suspect Subdued After Shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’ and Being Hit by Return Fire, Authorities Report

An Afghan national, accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington,…
Massive 14-foot shark dies after being stranded on Massachusetts beach during migration

14-Foot Shark Found Deceased on Massachusetts Beach Amid Migration

A tragic event unfolded off the coast of Massachusetts earlier this week…
Krista Joseph replaced as St. Johns County commissioner chair two weeks after reelection

Krista Joseph Ousted as St. Johns County Commission Chair Just Weeks After Reelection Victory

During a contentious assembly, Commissioner Clay Murphy initiated a vote aimed at…
Meghan Markle's father Thomas is in intensive care in hospital after emergency surgery: 'Keep him in your thoughts,' his son says

Meghan Markle’s Father, Thomas, Admitted to Intensive Care Unit

According to his son, Meghan Markle’s father is currently in intensive care…
FILE — Audrey Strauss, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, speaks during a news conference to announce charges against Ghislaine Maxwell for her alleged role in the sexual exploitation and abuse of multiple minor girls by Jeffrey Epstein, July 2, 2020, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)

Jeffrey Epstein Accuser Pushes for Unsealing of Court Records in Legal Battle

In a significant legal move, one of the most outspoken accusers of…
Gayle King breaks silence on bombshell rumors she is departing CBS

Gayle King Addresses Departure Rumors: CBS News Anchor Sets the Record Straight

At the 2025 Footwear News Achievement Awards, Gayle King addressed swirling rumors…