Garnet Complex

Garnet, Sierra NF, USFS. Three miles southeast of Balch Camp, CA. Timber and chaparral. Minimal fire behavior with smoldering. Area, road and trail closures in effect.

October 6, 2025 at 8:30 AM

With rain, lightning, and snow at upper elevations across the Garnet Fire footprint yesterday, suppression repair work was minimal primarily focused on chipping operations where it was safe to do so. As operations gets underway today, firefighters will access working conditions and continue where it is both safe and ecologically responsible to do so. Today’s line of effort will focus on trail rehabilitation on the Crown Valley Trail, road repair, and mulching and chipping operations. The Trimmer Campground and Kings River Recreation Area are open for fishing and camping. After today our Daily Briefing will be every other day.
 
Weather:
A drying trend returns today but continues seasonably cool with highs in the lower 60s under sunny skies. Gradual warming and drying trend Sunday through early next week with no rain in the forecast but temperatures continue to run near or a few degrees below normal.

September 29, 2025 at 10:11 AM

Suppression Repair Completion
Dozer: 43%
Handline: 35%

Over the weekend, crews continued repairing impacts caused during firefighting efforts, also known as suppression repair. The fire area continues to smolder due to ongoing dry conditions and the large amount of fuels within its perimeter. Progress continued as crews mended dozer lines, engaged in large mulching and chipping operations, cleaned up log decks and stabilized fuel breaks and lines.

Today, crews are continuing suppression repair across the rough, high-elevation terrain in all divisions of the fire area. Resource advisors are evaluating work completed, and hazard trees are being assessed within the fire perimeter. More progress will be made to chip and mulch downed fuels, and to mop up along dozer lines.

Weather:

For Monday, expect increasing clouds as a Pacific weather system approaches the coast. The main impact for the fire area will be periods of mid and high level clouds with a 10 to 15% chance of showers and possibly thunderstorms for high elevations. Otherwise daytime highs will stay seasonably cool with readings mainly in the 60s and winds from the west-southwest.

September 28, 2025 at 8:31 AM

Suppression Repair Completion

Dozer: 42%

Handline: 35%

The Tulare County Incident Management Team assumed command of the Garnet Fire as of 0700 hours today and will carry forward the important work taking place in the Sierra National Forest. We sincerely thank the FDNY Incident Management Team for a smooth transition and for their dedicated efforts during this assignment.

Current Situation:

Yesterday, crews continued to make progress on suppression repair across the fire area. Teams were chipping, clearing debris, and stabilizing breaks and lines in several locations. Repair of dozer and handlines also advanced as crews worked south into additional areas. Rehabilitation work remained active throughout the fire, and an extensive chipping operation is ongoing in the eastern portion of the incident.

Today, crews are continuing suppression repair across the fire area. Teams are grading, chipping, and repairing dozer and handlines in multiple locations, while an extensive chipping operation continues in the eastern portion of the fire. In and around McKinley Grove, crews are also working on dozer lines, building on progress from the past several days.

Weather:

Today, highs range from the lower 60s to mid-70s across the fire with good overnight humidity recovery and afternoon humidity around 50–60%. Southwest flow is pushing buildups and showers away from the area, so there is little concern for lightning despite cloud development. Winds remain out of the west–southwest at moderate speeds, keeping conditions mild for operations.

Air Quality:

Smoke levels in the Garnet Fire area are expected to remain moderate today. Higher humidity and lighter winds may cause smoke and haze to linger near the ground in the morning, especially in low-lying areas. Conditions should gradually improve through the afternoon as the atmosphere mixes and disperses the smoke. Sensitive groups should limit outdoor activity during smoky periods. You can check your local air quality at: airnow.gov/.

Forest Closure:

The Sierra National Forest issued a reduced Forest Closure Order on September 25, 2025, to include access to the 12S01 to the Kings River. This reduced closure order was coordinated with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, along with multiple local, state, and federal agency cooperators, to identify the minimum area necessary for the safety of firefighting resources and forest visitors. An FS-7700 form will be required to enter the closed portion of the forest. Contact the District Ranger’s Office at (559) 855-5355 to request the FS-7700 form. For a copy of the closure and map, please visit the Sierra National Forest website at: Sierra National Forest | Garnet Fire Closure Order | Forest Service

September 24, 2025 at 8:53 AM

Suppression Repair Completion

Dozer: 18%

Handline: 15%

Yesterday, crews mopped up remaining hot spots well inside the containment lines and began suppression repair in those areas, creating safer conditions for restoration efforts to continue. Damage Inspection Specialists (DINS) completed their survey of the fire’s impact area, finding no structures damaged or lost and providing verified information to guide recovery and repair efforts. In McKinley Grove, assessment of the giant sequoias is ongoing; to date, no trees have been noted as lost, and specialists continue to evaluate the grove and surrounding area to ensure protection and guide any needed restoration work.

Today’s operations will largely mirror yesterday’s, with crews continuing suppression repair, and control work across the same areas. This includes pulling berms back into place, carving waterbars into slopes, and blending scarred soil back into the hillside to steady the ground, protect streams, and give cultural sites and wildlife a chance to thrive again. As needed, additional resources will be shifted to support these ongoing efforts.

Weather:

Moisture is gradually increasing across the area today, resulting in more cloud cover compared to yesterday. Temperatures are a few degrees cooler with slightly higher humidity. Winds remain terrain-driven, with afternoon gusts near 15 mph. By late tonight, a weather system moving in is expected to bring a marked increase in cloud cover and moisture.

September 22, 2025 at 8:33 AM

Today at 0600, the FDNY Incident Management Team, led by Incident Commander Kyle DeMasters, has assumed command of the Garnet Fire. We extend our appreciation to California Interagency IMT 5 for their dedicated efforts and smooth transition. Our team will continue working with local, state, and federal partners to build on their progress and keep the community informed as suppression repair and recovery efforts move forward.

Current Situation:

Yesterday, suppression repair made steady progress. Crews worked closely with Resource Advisors to ensure work met agency standards and protected natural and cultural resources. Fire activity stayed minimal, with only a few hot spots remaining in the northern area well within the containment lines.

Today, crews are actively engaged in suppression repair across the fire area. In the northern sections, large amounts of hose are being backhauled, and the protective foil is being removed from cabins as repairs are completed. Work in other areas is advancing, with repairs being prepared for inspection by Resource Advisors.

Work in McKinley Grove is moving forward steadily. Crews are monitoring and mopping up around the giant sequoias to protect them and reduce the chance of the fire reigniting. A chipper is being brought in to remove any remaining debris from the fire, and suppression repair continues throughout the grove.

Crews continue these efforts to restore the landscape while keeping firefighters and the public safe.

Weather:

Sunny and warmer conditions are expected tomorrow with a slight chance of afternoon storms over the Sierra crests. Cooler, more humid conditions and increasing rain chances follow later in the week.

Air Quality:

Air quality is expected to stay moderate tomorrow, with hazy periods and higher smoke levels in the morning as cooler air and light winds trap smoke near the ground. Conditions should improve by the afternoon as the atmosphere warms and disperses the smoke. Sensitive groups should take precautions if spending time outdoors. You can check your local air quality at:
airnow.gov/.

September 21, 2025 at 9:52 AM

Garnet Fire officials will host a virtual community meeting Tonight at 5:30 PM to provide an update on the current situation and address questions. It will be broadcast on Sierra National Forest Incident Management YouTube @SierraNF-Incidents and Sierra National Forest Facebook. Please send any questions you would like discussed at the meeting to 2025.garnet.ca@firenet.gov ahead of time.

Current Situation:

Yesterday, after the fire area dried out from the recent rain, crews and equipment continued their efforts repairing areas disturbed during fire suppression efforts. Today, those efforts will continue mainly on the north side along the Dinkey Creek and McKinely Grove Roads. They will also conduct hazard assessments across the fire area to determine which roads can safely be opened for public use.

Significant work involving heavy equipment is currently underway from Shaver Lake to Dinkey Creek along Dinkey Creek Road. If you are traveling in this area, please drive slowly and be prepared for potential delays. Additionally, if you are hunting along the Dinkey Creek Road, please be cautious and aware of the crews and equipment working nearby.

Weather:

Sunny and warmer temperatures will persist through the early part of next week. Rain chances return mid-week.

Air Quality: 

Recent rainstorms have reduced particulates in the air, which has potentially increased local air quality. You can check your local air quality at: airnow.gov/. 

Evacuations and Road Closures – Changes

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and fire officials working the Garnet Fire elected to remove all evacuation orders. Zones K27A and K29A have been taken out of evacuation warning status and returned to normal. 

Three zones have been removed from the evacuation order status and changed to evacuation warnings. They are K27B, K29B and K30A. Additionally, the Sierra National Forest still has a forest closure in effect. A FS-7700 form will be required to enter the closed portion of the forest. Contact the District Ranger’s Office at (559) 855-5355 to request access. 

September 16, 2025 at 8:41 AM

Garnet Fire officials will hold a community meeting on Wednesday, September 17, at 5:30 PM at the Shaver Lake Community Center, located at 41344 CA-168, Shaver Lake, CA 93664. The purpose of the meeting is to provide an update on the current fire situation, suppression repair activities, and to address any public questions.

The meeting will also be broadcast on Sierra National Forest Incident Management YouTube @SierraNF-Incidents and Sierra National Forest Facebook. Please send any questions you would like discussed at the meeting to 2025.garnet.ca@firenet.gov ahead of time.

Note: This will be the last day for a morning and evening incident update. Beginning tomorrow, we will transition to one incident update in the morning.

Current Situation:

Last night, minimal fire activity was observed, and the fire remained within its designated footprint. Crews were actively patrolling the area to identify and suppress any remaining hotspots or smoldering materials along the fire’s perimeter.

Today, efforts will continue to strengthen and improve the containment lines on the north-northwest side of the fire, while the focus shifts toward suppression repair throughout the rest of the affected fire area. Resource advisors are working with firefighters on mitigating the impacts from suppression activities. This work is essential for stabilizing the soil, protecting water quality, and preserving both cultural and natural resources. Specialized equipment has been brought in to complete the critical task of restoring disturbed areas of the forest. 

Weather:

The warming trend will continue through Wednesday with increased temperatures and lower humidity. The extended forecast calls for increasing clouds and a chance of showers overnight on Thursday.

Air Quality:

Smoke from the Garnet Fire continues to affect areas in the direct vicinity of the fire. Smoke will continue to settle in drainages near the fire during evening and early morning hours.  You can check your local air quality at: airnow.gov/.

Evacuations and Road Closures – No Changes

Fresno County Sheriff’s deputies and Garnet fire officials elected to remove evacuation warnings previously placed on Zones K41, K61B, and K76. Additionally, Zones K40, K61A, and K166, which were under evacuation orders, were reduced to evacuation warnings.  These zones encompass the southwestern side of the fire.

Previously activated Zones K27, K29, K30, and K31 remain under an evacuation order. Previously activated Zones K26, K60, and K165 remain under an evacuation warning.

Full updates on the fire and evacuation maps are available from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. The evacuation map is an interactive tool that allows residents to search by their physical address, general location, or evacuation zone.  

Forest Closure – No Changes

The Sierra National Forest updated the Forest Closure in response to the full suppression effort on the Garnet Fire. The partial closure order was coordinated with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, along with multiple local, state, and federal agency cooperators, to identify the minimum area necessary for the safety of firefighting resources and forest visitors.  For a copy of the closure and map, please visit the Sierra National Forest website at: Sierra National Forest | Garnet Fire Closure Order | Forest Service

September 10, 2025 at 7:49 AM

Residents Evacuated: 111
Structures Threatened: 343
Structures Destroyed: 0

Overnight, crews took advantage of higher humidity and more predictable evening wind patterns to continue building and strengthening containment lines. Favorable conditions allowed for work along the northern and western flanks of the fire. Crews held the northern progression of the fire south of Snow Corral Road and parts of McKinley Grove Road, improving the fuel break by removing fallen trees from the road and containing fires that spotted across the line. Along the eastern edge, firefighters worked to ensure that the fire stayed within the eastern edge footprint. No change was observed along the southern perimeter of the fire.

An inversion layer is expected to keep fire activity muted this morning but will likely lift mid-morning. Once the inversion lifts, the fire is expected to become more active, with fire in Laurel Creek anticipated to push to the north, threatening McKinley Grove Road. Crews are prepared for active fire behavior, including group torching and short-range spotting, which continue to challenge containment lines. The fire is burning in an area with a significant number of dead and down trees from the 2012 bark beetle epidemic and the 2015 Rough Fire, which contributes to higher intensity fire behavior.

Today, crews will prioritize containment lines along Snow Corral Road and McKinley Grove Road, and work directly on the fire’s northern edge where possible from Brush Meadow to Long Meadow. In the northwest, firefighters will continue to build on recent progress securing the line from McKinley Grove Road to Nutmeg Glen, while also assessing future contingency lines to the north and west. Throughout the day, fire personnel will continue to support essential services by escorting PG&E fuel tenders along McKinley Grove Road to Wishon Reservoir to maintain critical infrastructure needs.

In the southwest, firefighters will use strategic firing when conditions align to bring low-intensity strategic fire down dozer lines into the 2024 Basin Fire scar toward Sycamore Springs. Handcrews and heavy equipment continue to build contingency lines further out. On the eastern perimeter, crews are prepared to engage the fire directly, supported by preparatory work including snag removal and the construction of hose lays.

Weather:
Favorable weather is expected to continue over the fire area today. Moisture continued to increase across the fire overnight, and there is a slight (10-15%) chance for showers and isolated thunderstorms this afternoon. Good overnight humidity recovery will combine with cooler-than-normal temperatures to moderate fire behavior. Winds will be relatively light from the southwest today with afternoon gusts up to 20 MPH on the ridges, which may lead to some visible smoke on the fire’s northeastern flank as it consumes unburned fuels well within the interior.

September 9, 2025 at 8:31 AM

The Garnet Fire showed moderate fire activity throughout the evening, with fire pushing towards the western edge of the fire south of Fence Meadow Lookout. Fire remained active across the northwest, north, and east flanks, consuming heavy fuels in continuous timber stands.

Firefighters worked through the evening and successfully contained several small spots across containment lines on the western perimeter. Using the favorable evening weather, crews strategically fired south along control lines from Dinkey Mountain toward Nutmeg Glen as well as north from Dinkey Mountain toward McKinley Grove Road.

In the north, firefighters focused on building and improving primary containment lines along Snow Corral Road, mitigating hazard trees and holding fire along the road. Along the eastern flank of the fire, crews worked to hold the fire in its current footprint, snagging hazard trees and building hose lays to prepare for strategic firing operations.

Today, crews will focus on tagging and extending on to the strategic firing along McKinley Grove Road and developing additional contingency control lines further north. Crews will continue to scout and build on secondary and contingency lines to the north and west, building hose lays and improving the control lines through the use of strategic fire.

Along the eastern flank of the fire, crews and equipment continue to build containment lines as close to the fire as possible and prepare the ridge for strategic firing operations.

Additional aerial resources have been brought to the Garnet Fire with an additional four night-capable helicopters arriving Monday and two military helicopters assigned to the incident. Other aerial resources continue to support ground operations through the day as conditions permit.

September 8, 2025 at 10:35 AM

The Garnet Fire was active overnight, continuing the north and northwestern push. Driven by alignment up drainages, heavy fuels in continuous timber stands with significant loads of dead and down from beetle kill, and low humidities, the fire advanced significantly to the north, with multiple spot fires establishing across the McKinley Grove Rd. In the northwest, the fire burned to the containment lines between Fence Meadow and Nutmeg Saddle. Fire activity is expected to continue midday as the inversion lifts. This fire growth was anticipated and firefighters continue to create contingencies simultaneously while fighting the fire as close to its active edge as possible. Firefighters have focused on constructing containment lines east of the communities of Tollhouse and Shaver Lake for the past two weeks. 

Overnight, crews strategically fired south along the dozer contingency lines in Bear Mountain to receive fire on more favorable terms and protect assets in the Dinkey Meadow, Bear Meadow, and Lost Meadow. Fire crews improved on fireline breaks constructed in previous days, positioning fire hose from Fence Meadow Lookout south toward Sycamore Ridge Rd.  

With the fire’s active growth toward its northern and northwestern edge, the incident management team has shifted resources to meet the need, including augmenting resources to reinforce and support contingency lines in Dinkey Meadow and Bear Meadow. Crews in the north will work on encapsulating the spot fires north of McKinley Grove Rd and preparing the Snow Corral Road as a containment line using a combination of hand crews and machine clearing. 

On the eastern edge, firefighters have been actively working on the fire perimeter, engaging in direct line construction where possible and snagging the line in preparation for strategic firing.  

Aerial resources, including heavy helicopters and very large air tankers (VLAT), will support the direct suppression of fires as conditions permit, laying down retardant in locations most advantageous to slowing the fire’s progression. 

Today is the transition day from California Incident Management Team 10 to California Incident Management Team 5. 

September 5, 2025 at 8:31 AM

Good overnight humidity recovery aided crews overnight while they continued strategic firing operations south along the McKinley Grove Road. They reported good consumption as they worked their way west, ending west of the Grove itself. These operations remove vegetation ahead of the fire, forcing the fire to meet the road at the lowest possible intensity and helping to assure containment across the fire’s northern edge.

The fire remains on the eastern edge of the Dinkey Creek Drainage this morning. In addition, it has moved north and west past Indian Rock, and crews are working on suppressing the fire directly and concurrently building lines farther out to have alternate options for holding the fire if necessary.

 On the eastern edge of the fire, hotshot crews are working near Rodgers Ridge directly on the fire’s active edge to stop fire progression. Constructing and holding this line is critical as there are few containment features in the area, and as a result this will be the top priority for operations today. 

The weather today is anticipated to be similar to yesterday, with slightly lower temperatures and typical diurnal winds. Some low-lying areas may again experience a persistent smoke inversion, but clearing is anticipated at higher elevations and a pyrocumulus cloud is again anticipated to develop.

Over 1,000 firefighters are now being supported out of the Dinkey Creek area to help lessen drive times to the fireline and assure maximum time on the line.

September 3, 2025 at 7:41 AM

Join us for a LIVE information update at 2 p.m. TODAY, on the Sierra National Forest Facebook. 

Fire staff will be at the Shaver Lake Community Center between 11:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. today to give in-person information on the fire.

As anticipated, yesterday’s strong outflow winds caused considerable fire spread. However, the good preparation of previous days helped hold the fire within containment lines. Near Balch Camp, the fire continued to back down the ridge toward the Camp, where firefighters and heavy aircraft use helped cool the edge to ensure that it didn’t cross the fireline.  Concurrently with direct fire suppression, crews are working to construct contingency lines west and north of the fire, with continual evaluation of opportunities to cut the fire off as close to its active edge as possible.

The fire bumped the McKinley Grove Road on its southern-most point, about three miles east of the Grove itself, where the high voltage lines meet the road. Again, with heavy preparation, crews held the line on the road. Firefighters will continue to carefully put fire down along the road west toward Buck Camp and east toward Tule Meadow to remove vegetation that could threaten containment, as conditions permit. In the Grove itself, firefighters have removed the duff layer from around the Giant sequoias and placed sprinklers in key areas to help minimize damage should fire enter the area.

The fire has progressed through the Teakettle Experimental Area and Sawmill Flat and is holding approximately two miles from the Wishon Reservoir. All structures within the area were prepared for protection through pre-treatment with retardant and/or flame-proof wrap, and there is no report of structure loss at this time.

Continued isolated thunderstorms are anticipated through today, bringing with them erratic, downdraft winds and the possibility of rapid and dangerous fire spread. This activity is anticipated lessen into the later part of the week.

The Dinkey Creek Campground will be closed to the public due to ongoing firefighting operations on the Garnet Fire. Reimbursement or an alternative site—Rancheria Campground at Huntington Lake—has been offered.
Closure of the campground is necessary to protect both public and firefighter safety. As the fire spreads to the north, driving times to the line are becoming excessive, and the use of the Dinkey Creek Campground will allow firefighters to spend less time on roadways and more time on the fireline. Crews are working to keep the fire footprint as small as possible and to lessen the duration of the incident as much as they can. Improving weather conditions across other parts of the country have allowed the Sierra National Forest to bring in surge resources, and over 500 additional firefighters have been mobilized to the area, including dozers, engines, and crews, who will be supported out of Dinkey Creek Campground.

There are currently almost 2,000 firefighters assigned to the incident. They are being supported out of multiple locations, including Avocado Lake in Sanger, California, and at the Wishon Reservoir, California. The Garnet Fire was ignited on August 24, 2025 by lightning. As of 7:00 a.m. today it was reported at 29,871 acres and 12% contained.

September 2, 2025 at 8:35 AM

A heavy smoke inversion and little air movement reduced fire activity overnight. The only activity was above Balch Camp, where the fire backed slowly down the hill toward containment lines. Firefighters on the line experienced no challenges with containment, but they will remain alert for any sudden changes in fire behavior and for roll out—burning material rolling off the steep hillside and igniting unburned fuel. Activity was also observed north of Rodgers Ridge inside proposed containment boundaries but in front of the main body of the fire. Standing dead trees made accessing that spot impossible overnight, but it will be addressed during the day shift.

Meteorologists are predicting a 50% chance of thunderstorms directly affecting the Garnet Fire, and night shift reported started seeing lightning strikes to the west at around 3:00 a.m. Along with a threat of new starts, strong, erratic outflow winds from convective activity can affect fire spread and are a threat to firefighter safety. Crews on the line will be paying close attention to communications about potential impacts. California Team 10 has initial attack responsibility for new starts in the vicinity of the Garnet Fire, and resources have been identified to respond should that occur.

Today’s priorities are to continue line on the road system within the Teakettle Experimental Forest, working very closely to the active fire’s edge to cut off northern spread. However, crews are also widening and improving contingency lines to use if needed.

As the fire moves north and east, additional possible spike camp locations are being evaluated to reduce drive times and increase time on the fireline. Dinkey Creek facilities are being considered for this use.

September 1, 2025 at 8:40 AM

The Garnet Fire was active through the evening hours but settled down considerably as humidities rose into the morning.

Today’s priorities will be to wrap up firing operations to protect critical PG&E infrastructure at Balch Camp and to hold the fire’s eastern edge. Currently it is holding on a dozer line re-opened from the Rough Fire, and with very few other close opportunities for containment to the east, maintaining that line is a key concern.

Yesterday’s growth was primarily under Indian Rock and northeast toward Sawmill Flat and up Rancheria Creek, with the fire spotting a third- to a half- mile ahead of itself. Crews have a good plan in place to catch it, but alignment with large drainages along with heavy dead vegetation from previous years of bug kill is a challenge.

Warmer, drier temperatures are expected today in front of forecasted thunderstorms which are predicted to enter the fire area tonight into tomorrow. Yesterday’s clearer air and warmer temperatures caused considerable pyrocumulus build up, and that is anticipated to occur again today.

August 31, 2025 at 9:01 AM

Good progress continues on the western edge of the fire from the confluence of the Kings River and the North Fork of the Kings River up into Balch Camp. Crews are close to buttoning up lines there, and are working hard to do so before weather conditions change.

North of Balch Camp, considerable work is being put east of the Dinkey Creek drainage to try to stop the fire as close to its active edge as possible. However, contingency lines are simultaneously being constructed in case they are needed. Constructing lines on the northern edge of the active fire has been challenging due to terrain, but favorable conditions and air tankers have slowed the spread allowing firefighters and dozers to complete lines south of Patterson Mountain. Crews are looking for every opportunity to stop northern spread. The fire has moved slowly into the Teakettle Experimental Forest, and structures there have been prepared for defense, should it become necessary.

The fire continued to burn actively overnight near Weisman Spring, aided by poor moisture recovery. It is currently holding on dozer lines reopened from the Rough Fire, but with several large drainages and a high likelihood of wind alignment today, firefighters are expecting a challenging day there. Multiple hotshot crews, engines, and heavy equipment have been supported out of spike camps close to their work area, and they are already at work to try to hold that line. Lines continue to hold well above the Kings River, but with potential thunderstorms entering the area tomorrow, crews are remaining engaged there to ensure that the line is cold and no spot fires occur.

Heavy aircraft use will continue today, as visibility allows. The priority for them will be the eastern side of the fire.

Hot, dry conditions are expected to remain in place today, increasing potential smoke especially in lower elevation areas. Concerns are mounting for thunderstorm activity to reenter the area on Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing with them the potential for strong erratic winds.

August 30, 2025 at 8:55 AM

Good progress was again made on the Garnet Fire overnight as favorable weather conditions allowed firefighters to start the strategic firing operation around the PG&E infrastructure at Balch Camp. That critical suppression operation will be continued as conditions dictate. 

Firefighters are working as closely to the fire’s edge as they can safely while also ensuring that alternate opportunities are in place should they be needed. Crews are taking advantage of stable weather conditions to construct containment lines on the western side, working their way up Dinkey Creek and then turning east to meet the edge of the fire. Across the northern edge, dozers continue to push open old firelines to provide an opportunity for containment. They have been heavily assisted by aircraft, especially in the area around Patterson Bluffs. 

Containment on the east side remains a challenge. Heavy vegetation and the potential for normal diurnal winds to come into alignment with drainages can cause rapid fire spread.  Multiple hotshot crews are working with dozers to open existing lines along Rodger’s Ridge north to the McKinley Road and south to the Kings River. 

The southern edge of the fire, along the Kings River, remains in mop up status, with crews carefully monitoring the steep river canyon for any rolling material or sparks that could challenge containment. 

Multiple heavy aircraft are supporting the firefighting effort, including two super scoopers. These heavy water-dropping aircraft may be scooping water from Shaver Lake, and the public is asked to please stay out of the way, as they cannot load in the lake if boaters are impeding their flight line. 

Almost 1500 firefighters are assigned to the Garnet Fire, with more incoming. Please use caution on roads and respect closures which are in place for their safety and the safety of the public. 

August 29, 2025 at 10:02 AM

Overnight, crews on the Garnet Fire worked to continue aggressive mop up on the steep southern edge of the fire, ensuring containment along the Kings River. A strategic firing plan is being developed for the area from the Bailey Bridge to Balch Camp to protect critical infrastructure. Firefighters have worked hard for several days to prepare for that firing operation. Weather and fire behavior is being carefully monitored to determine the best time to conduct that operation safely.

On the western side of the fire dozers, followed by hand crews, are continuing to push north along the Secate Ridge and the 10S69 Road to stop the fire’s western spread. Retardant has been used heavily in that area to allow time for line construction, and that heavy aircraft use will continue today.

The fire was active overnight around the Balch Power Plant, and has now reached the river. That infrastructure has been prepared for protection for several days. Firefighters expect that active fire to continue through the day and will focus on keeping those areas safe. The fire is holding on existing Rough Fire lines in the Mule Creek area. Dozers are working to continue improving those lines.

Fire growth is expected to continue today, especially to the north and east as the fire gets aligned with heavily vegetated drainages.

The weather today is expected to remain seasonably warm, with normal diurnal winds pushing the fire up canyon in the afternoons as temperatures warm and down canyon with cooling temperatures overnight.

The Avocado Lake Incident Command Post is now fully functional, with over 1,000 firefighters working out of there today and more coming in the following days. Please use caution when driving in the area.

A partial forest closure is in place for the area around the lightning fires to allow the firefighters a safe place to conduct operations and for the safety of the public.

August 28, 2025 at 10:43 AM

The Garnet Fire continued to burn actively overnight. The majority of the growth was to the north. The fire edge is currently slightly south of the Teakettle Experimental Area and will likely burn into the area today. Activity was observed on the southeast corner overnight as well, but as of 8:00 a.m. it is still holding north of the Kings River.

Today, firefighters will continue to prioritize the infrastructure near Balch Camp. Firefighters have spent the last several days ensuring that the area can be protected should fire reach it.  Dozers, supported by large air tankers, continue to move north, reopening old roads and lines to try to contain the fire’s northern spread. They continue to determine areas for contingency lines, with the objective of keeping the fire south of the McKinley Grove and in as small of a footprint as possible. Large dead trees from previous years of bark beetle mortality are creating challenges for firefighters, and fire growth is likely to continue in that area.

Structures within the Teakettle Experimental Area, including the Patterson Mountain Lookout, are being assessed for protection as the fire advances. Crews will begin moving to spike camps in the northern area of the fire to decrease driving times and improve access.

The weather today is expected to remain seasonably warm and dry with slightly higher wind speeds along ridgetops. Humidity will increase in the afternoon with thunderstorms predicted to the north and northeast, but no further lightning expected over the fire area. Visible pyrocumulus development is again highly likely as temperatures warm into the afternoon.

With approximately 1,000 firefighters already assigned and more expected, residents and visitors to the area are asked to exercise caution on roadways, and to be aware of fire apparatus and personnel, especially in the area around Trimmer Springs Road and Avocado Lake, where the Incident Command Post is currently situated.

Please prevent additional fire starts! Use caution when towing and mowing, avoid parking on dry grass, and use extreme care with campfires and other possible sources of ignition. Fireworks are illegal on national forests lands year-round.

August 27, 2025 at 9:02 AM

The Garnet Fire was relatively quiet overnight, and crews continued to take advantage of favorable conditions from yesterday’s rain to work directly along the fire edge with the goal of keeping this full-suppression fire as small as possible. Crews are prioritizing the area around the PG&E infrastructure near Balch Camp on the eastern side of the fire. Structure protection of Balch Camp and other hydroelectric infrastructure remains a priority for today.

Dozers supported by large air tankers will continue to cut open old fire lines and roads on the steep, inaccessible north side of the fire today to help crews gain access. They are working directly along the fire edge where possible. The fire has continued to hold on the north side of the Kings River, and crews along there are working to ensure containment.

Crews continue to find new lightning fires from the last few days. In addition to the Garnet Fire, firefighters are staffing the Deer Fire (approx. 2 acres), and the Garlic Fire (less than one acre). These have shown no growth in the last 24 hours. It is highly likely that more fires will be found in the coming days, as vegetation dries.

There is a chance of continued thunderstorms this afternoon, specifically in the higher elevation areas of the fire. Along with new starts, thunderstorms can bring gusty, erratic winds which can challenge firefighters and, if significant, ground aircraft.

A partial forest closure is in effect in the areas surrounding the lightning fires.

August 27, 2025 at 7:54 AM

Morning rain afforded crews an opportunity to further strengthen critical infrastructure around Balch Camp. 

Activity picked up as vegetation dried, but very little growth overall was observed today. Supported by 7 large air tankers and multiple helicopters, firefighters worked directly along the active edge on the southwest corner to tie fire line back down to the river to prevent westward spread, and worked dozers in across the top of the fire, opening roads and old lines from previous fires. The fire held along the Kings River on its south side, and crews are working hard in the steep canyon to watch for rollout and embers which could impact containment.  

A partial forest closure is in place in the area of the lightning fires. Crews are remaining alert to the likely possibility of finding additional starts in the next few days. 

The Garnet Complex includes the Deer Fire (approximately 2 acres) and the Garlic Fire (less than one acre) which are both located north east of the Garnet Fire. Smokejumpers have been working to contain those fires for several days and they are seeing minimal growth.