The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office has lifted all of its remaining evacuation orders for the Creek Fire as of Tuesday morning.
However, all Sierra National Forest lands in Fresno County remain closed through November 1, 2020. Evacuation orders remain in effect for two zones in Madera County.
The fire began September 4 and has so far burned 352,339 acres. It’s 61% contained and the USFS expects full containment by October 31st. Cal Fire lists the Creek Fire as the largest single wildfire in state history.
South Zone Fire Activity
The USFS reports that activity on the south zone of the fire showed minimal growth overnight. The successful firing operation assisted in protecting the homes in and around Edison Lake.
Crews will continue mopping up hotspots within the fire line. Hazard trees from Florence Lake west along the fire perimeter to the North/South Zone break, near Redinger Lake will be removed.
North Zone Fire Activity
The Forest Service says at the far north end of the fire it has burned into the granite outcrops of the high country and continues to creep and burn any available fuels, primarily timber stringers. Because of access issues and safety concerns this area will be monitored by air and infrared heat flights.
Water bars for erosion control have been created on almost all fire lines. For the entire zone, engines and crews will continue to patrol and mop up, looking for any activity that may threaten the control lines.
Weather Outlook
The weather remains warm and dry, with light winds. Starting Thursday there will be a cooling trend into the weekend that will also see a rise in humidity.
There is a 25% chance of precipitation this weekend.
The Valley Air District says smoke from nearby fires could produce poor air quality over the coming days.
