Firefighting crews are working to contain the fast-growing Garnet Fire in the Sierra National Forest about 60 miles east of Fresno. The blaze began Sunday afternoon and has scorched 14 square miles of grass, chaparral and timber with no containment. Scattered rain showers aided firefighters protecting the Balch Camp community and nearby hydroelectric facilities along the Kings River. Continued strong, erratic winds and dry, heavy vegetation threaten containment efforts. Parts of central and northern California are under red flag warnings for increased fire threat from dry lightning that could accompany thunderstorms.
FRESNO 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 of grass, chaparral and timber in a remote area known for camping and hiking about 60 miles 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.
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