Garnet Fire burns 8,500 acres; other CA blazes continue

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(The Center Square) – Several new California wildfires continue to burn.

The Garnet Fire, which began Sunday in Fresno County in central California, has burned 8,500 acres and is 0% contained, the state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reported.

Evacuations have been ordered in three zones, and an evacuation warning was issued in one zone, according to Cal Fire’s website, fire.ca.gov.

No injuries and structural damage have been reported in the Sierra National Forest blaze. The cause is under investigation.

The Pickett Fire, which started Thursday, has burned 6,803 acres in Napa County and is 17% contained, according to Cal Fire.

There have been no reports of injuries or damage to structures, but Cal Fire said 542 structures are threatened.

An overnight marine layer brought some humidity, but large fuels inside the perimeter are still burning and smoldering, causing the large layer of smoke, Cal Fire said. “Firefighters will continue containment efforts and mop up while working in steep, rugged terrain.”

Evacuations have been ordered in nine zones. Evacuation warnings were issued in six zones.

Aetna Springs Road is closed. Pickett Road is open to residents only.

A total of 2,727 personnel and 248 engines have been assigned to fight the fire, Cal Fire said.

Resources at the fire also include 14 helicopters, 29 water tenders, 75 bulldozers and 59 hand crews, according to the department.

The Little Fire, which began Friday southwest of Lake Isabella in the Sequoia National Forest, has burned 2,537 acres. There’s been no containment for the Kern County blaze.

An evacuation order was issued for one zone. Evacuation warnings were given in four zones.

No injuries or structural damage has been reported.

The Gifford Fire, which started Aug. 1 in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, remains the state’s largest wildfire at 131,164 acres. The blaze in Los Padres National Forest is 95% contained, Cal Fire said.

So far, there have been 13 firefighter injuries and three civilian injuries in the blaze, according to Cal Fire. Five structures were destroyed, and another 106 are threatened. Evacuation warnings have been issued in eight zones.