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
Mississippi homecoming football game shooting: 4 suspects arrested after 6 dead, 20 injured

Tragic Shooting at Mississippi Homecoming Game: 4 Arrested, 6 Dead, 20 Injured

Authorities have apprehended four individuals in relation to a tragic shooting in…
Meghan says first-look deal with Netflix gives them 'flexibility'

Meghan Markle Highlights Flexibility in New Netflix First-Look Deal: A Strategic Move for Creative Freedom

Meghan Markle recently highlighted the advantages of her and Prince Harry’s first-look…
Mark Sanchez, FOX face civil lawsuit together

Mark Sanchez and FOX Named Co-Defendants in Civil Lawsuit

INDIANAPOLIS — When Mark Sanchez emerged from the Adult Detention Center Sunday…
Mark Sanchez career at crossroads after stabbing incident: PR expert

PR Expert Analyzes Mark Sanchez’s Career Trajectory Following Stabbing Incident

() A public relations expert says Mark Sanchez’s career now faces a…
FILE - Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Church

Dallin H. Oaks, Ex-Utah Supreme Court Justice, Appointed as New Leader of the Mormon Church

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Dallin H. Oaks, once a justice on…
Rare October storm brings heavy rain, possible mudslides to Southern California

Unusual October Storm Set to Deluge Southern California with Heavy Rain and Raise Mudslide Concerns

LOS ANGELES (AP) In a dramatic turn of events, certain neighborhoods in…
Knicks know there's going to be 'learning curve' for Guerschon Yabusele

Knicks Anticipate Steep Learning Curve for Rising Star Guerschon Yabusele: What Fans Need to Know

Guerschon Yabusele is navigating a challenging adjustment period, as observed by his…
Mitt Romney breaks silence on sister-in-law's shock death

Mitt Romney Speaks Out: Unveiling the Tragic Loss of His Sister-in-Law

In the wake of a tragic family loss, Mitt Romney has publicly…