Basin, Sierra National Forest

Basin, Sierra NF, USFS. Twenty-eight miles northeast of Sanger, CA. Grass, chaparral and hardwood litter. Minimal fire behavior.

July 15, 2024 at 7:42 PM

The Basin Fire is 14,023 acres, with no increase in acreage. Containment remains at 95%. The threat of thunderstorms is minimal for the next few days. Slightly cooler, more seasonable temperatures are forecast through midweek, before a warming trend returns to the area by the end of the week and into the weekend. Dry conditions will prevail with low humidity, poor overnight recoveries, and mainly terrain driven winds. Temperatures today are expected to reach 101 degrees in lower elevations of the fire line with relative humidity 20% to 35%. Winds are forecast to remain low, from the southwest at 9 mph, with gusts to 19 mph.

Firefighters continue to monitor the fire line and backhaul any equipment that is no longer needed. Some resources have been loaned to assist with new wildfires in the area.

Fire Suppression: Firefighters continue to patrol and monitor for any flare-ups, threats to the containment line, and visible smoke. Unburned areas within the fire’s western perimeter may produce smoke. When available aircraft will assist firefighters in monitoring the fire line and will use water drops when necessary.

Suppression Repair: Suppression repair efforts continue in areas of the fire that are no longer posing a threat. Due to very dry fuels, firefighters have not been using dozers due to the risk of starting a spot fire. Hand tools will be used in these areas to return them to as natural a state as practical, until the use of heavier equipment can be re-introduced.

The Basin Fire started on June 26, 2024, and the cause is currently under investigation. The fire is at 2000-4500 feet elevation, northeast of Pine Flat Lake, west of the Spanish Mountain, south of Black Rock Rd (11S012) and north of the South Fork of the Kings River.

July 12, 2024 at 11:15 AM

The Basin Fire is 14,023 acres, with no increase in acreage. Containment has increased to 95%. High heat in this long duration heat wave continues. The hot and dry heat over an extended period has made the fuels more receptive, this could produce visible smoke in unburned areas of the fire within control lines; no new fire growth is expected. Temperatures today are expected to reach 104 degrees in lower elevations of the fire line and should begin to gradually decrease over the weekend and into next week. The National Weather Service – Hanford is issuing a fire weather watch, which will go into effect at 11am Saturday and continue through the weekend with the chance of thunderstorms and dry lightning. Thunderstorms may begin as early as Friday.

Firefighters will continue to monitor and patrol the fire lines and backhaul any equipment that is no longer needed. More resources have been released to assist with other wildfires throughout California. At 6pm, Thursday, July 11th, Nevada Team 4 assumed incident management of the Basin Fire.

Northern perimeter: Firefighters continue to improve hand line in effort to remove available fuel and increase containment. Unburned areas within the fire’s western perimeter may produce smoke. Aircraft will assist firefighters in monitoring the fire line and will use water drops if necessary.

Suppression Repair: Suppression repair efforts are underway in the areas of the fire that are longer posing a threat. Crews have completed 89% of this work with approximately 8-9 days remaining. Due to very dry fuels, firefighters have not been able to use dozers due to the risk of a spot fire starting. Hand tools will be used in these areas to return them to as natural a state as practical.

July 11, 2024 at 11:16 AM

The Basin Fire is 14,023 acres and containment remains 92%. High heat in this long duration heat wave continues. The hot and dry heat over an extended period has made the fuels more receptive, this could produce visible smoke in unburned areas of the fire within control lines; no new fire growth is expected. Temperatures today are expected to reach 108 degrees in lower elevations of the fire line and should begin to gradually decrease over the weekend and into next week. The National Weather Service – Hanford is issuing a fire weather watch, which will go into effect at 11am Saturday and continue through the weekend with the chance of thunderstorms and dry lightning. Thunderstorms may begin as early as Friday.

Firefighters will continue to monitor and patrol the fire lines and backhaul any equipment that is no longer needed. More resources have been released to assist with other wildfires throughout California. At 6pm, California Interagency Incident Management Team 11 will transfer management of the Basin Fire to Nevada Team 4.

Northern perimeter: Firefighters continue to improve hand line in effort to remove available fuel and increase containment. Unburned areas within the fire’s western perimeter may produce smoke. Aircraft will assist firefighters in monitoring the fire line and will use water drops if necessary.

Suppression Repair: Suppression repair efforts are underway in the areas of the fire that are longer posing a threat. Crews have completed 89% of this work with approximately 7-8 days remaining. Due to very dry fuels, firefighters have not been able to use dozers due to the risk of a fire starting. Hand tools will be used in these areas to return them to as natural a state as practical.

July 10, 2024 at 9:30 AM

Today there is no increase in acreage at 14,020 acres, and containment remains 92%. The vegetation continues to become drier as the record-breaking heat wave continues, and the cumulative effects of heat stress challenge firefighters. Today is expected to slightly cooler with light west winds. There is a slight chance of thunderstorms on Thursday but more likely Friday and Saturday. The prolonged dry heat is making fuels more receptive, resulting in higher probabilities of ignition. Firefighters and helicopters continue to monitor the fire area.

Personnel and equipment are being released to assist with other wildfires that have been starting statewide. Firefighters continue to monitor and improve fire lines, retrieve unneeded equipment, while resource advisors and fire archaeologists guide suppression repair to mitigate damage and improve safety. An initial attack group is still available to respond to any new fires in the area.

Northern perimeter: Firefighters are utilizing aircraft to monitor the fire line and have seen no threat to the line in the last several days. This is the only area with open fire line.

Suppression Repair: Fire crews and equipment are repairing the damage caused by the suppression of the fire. Water bars are being constructed to reduce erosion. Equipment and hand tools are removing hazards and repairing the fire lines to return them to as natural a state as is practical. Road access to Fence Meadow Lookout is being improved through removal of dead hazard trees. Due to the drying heat of the last few days, heavy equipment is being used with caution and may not be used at all today.

July 9, 2024 at 10:26 AM

The Basin Fire remains at 14,020 acres, with no increase in acreage, and containment remains 85%. As this record-breaking heat wave continues, the vegetation becomes drier and the cumulative effects of heat stress makes firefighting difficult. Today is expected to be 3-5 degrees cooler with light west winds and gusts of 16-18 mph. Thunderstorms are possible Thursday and more likely Friday and Saturday. The prolonged dry heat has made fuels more receptive, resulting in potential flare-ups in unburned islands within control lines, occasionally producing visible smoke. Firefighters and helicopters are keeping these flare-ups in check.

As work is completed, resources are being released to assist with other wildfires or will return to their home unit until a new assignment. Firefighters continue to monitor and improve fire lines, retrieve unneeded equipment, while resource advisors and fire archaeologists guide suppression repair to mitigate damage and improve safety. An initial attack group with two hotshot crews, a fire module, and three engines, for a total of 69 personnel, remains available to respond with local resources to any new fires in the area.

Northern perimeter: Firefighters utilizing aircraft continue to monitor the fire line and manage flare ups, while crews hike into accessible areas to patrol and improve fire lines.

Suppression Repair: Firefighters and equipment are repairing the damage caused by the suppression of the fire. Water bars are being constructed to reduce erosion. Dozers, tree fallers, masticators, and heavy logging equipment are removing hazards and repairing the fire lines to return them to as natural a state as is practical. Road access to Fence Meadow Lookout is being made safer through removal of numerous dead hazard trees.

July 8, 2024 at 9:35 AM

The Basin Fire remains at 14,020 acres, with no increase in acreage, and containment has increased to 80%. Temperatures reached 112 degrees yesterday, with the relative humidity down to 16%. As this record-breaking heat wave continues, the vegetation becomes drier and the cumulative effects of heat stress makes firefighting more difficult. Today is expected to be slightly cooler.

As work is completed, resources are being released to assist with other wildfires or return home to rest and be ready for the next wildfire assignment. Equipment and personnel are focusing on suppression repair, looking for heat, reinforcing fire lines, and removing hose and equipment that are no longer needed. One division is available to respond to any new fires that are detected. The spike camps are being removed, as they are no longer needed.

Northern perimeter: Crews gridded an area near Dinkey Creek on the west side of the north tip of the fire, looking for hotspots. Aircraft are being used near a portion of Dinkey Creek that is inaccessible, on the east side of the north tip of the fire. Helicopter buckets of water were used to cool the heat. Yesterday some interior pockets of unburned fuel inside of the perimeter of the fire flared up near Bear Wallow and these are being monitored and secured.

Suppression Repair: Firefighters and equipment are repairing the damage caused by the suppression of the fire. Water bars are being constructed to reduce erosion. Dozers are repairing the contingency lines to return them to as natural a state as is practical. The goal of suppression repair is to leave the area better than you found it, and to leave no trace of suppression actions as much as possible.

An EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING is in effect through July 13th, with very high day time and night time temperatures. Temperatures are forecast to reach as high as 108 degrees today, with relative humidity 15 to 20%. Winds are forecast to remain low, from the west at 6 to 9 mph, with gusts to 15 mph. The National Weather Service has reported that “A heat wave this intense, this long, has set record temperatures throughout the San Joaquin.” Some air conditioned tents and fans have been set up to help firefighters endure the intense heat.

July 5, 2024 at 11:20 AM

The heat wave continues and the National Weather Service yesterday issued a Red Flag Warning that includes the western tip of the fire. The Warning is scheduled to expire at noon today.

• Eastern perimeter: The eastern side of the fire continues to remain within the constructed lines, however rollout of burning material may still occur. This area is being monitored by aircraft and firefighters in the area.
• Southern perimeter: Containment line has been secured along the South Fork of the Kings River and the area is being monitored. Crews have not detected any remaining heat.
• Western perimeter: Crews have boxed in the fire with a combination of dozer line and retardant. Firefighters are continuing to secure this area.
• Northern perimeter: Creating safe access to the northern edge of the fire in the Dinkey Creek drainage continues to be a priority. A helicopter rappelling crew has been ordered. The very steep and inaccessible terrain is a good match for this kind of crew; they are not used often. They will build a temporary helicopter landing area for inserting and removing firefighters north of the fire. Crews will then be able to access this area and build fire-line.
• Contingency Lines: Dozers have improved roads into northwestern perimeter from the west, to allow smaller vehicles at least partial access. Further north of the fire perimeter, work continues to build contingency fire lines using crews, dozers, masticators, and feller-bunchers, to block the fire if it starts moving north.

An EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING through next Thursday is affecting the fire with high temperatures, drying vegetation, and little relief at night. Temperatures were as high as 108 yesterday and relative humidity dropped as low as 15 percent. Today, temperatures across the fire are forecast to be in the 90s and low 100s, with minimum humidity of 18-22%. Low winds expected with gusts up to 9 mph. Cooling stations have been brought into the fire camps to help reduce the cumulative effects of heat stress on firefighters.

July 4, 2024 at 7:15 AM

After igniting on June 26, 2024, the Basin Fire northeast of Fresno is at 13,979 acres. Containment is now 46%. Containment was gained along the Kings River corridor.  Perimeter growth occurred primarily at northwest area of the fire.  intense heat were mapped along the northwest edges of the fire perimeter, of Dinkey Creek but the heat has remained on the west side of the Creek.

• Eastern perimeter:  Crews continue to improve contingency lines.  These crews are staying in a spike camp to access this area.

• Southern perimeter:  Containment line has been secured along much of the South Fork of the Kings River and the area is being monitored.

• Western perimeter:  Crews have boxed in the fire with a combination of dozer line and retardant. This has improved road access to the fire for engines and fire personnel. 

•  Northern perimeter:  Forward spread has been stopped with retardant drops on the west side of Dinkey Creek, but this area does not have fire-line and is difficult to access.  Firefighters are continuing to evaluate how to safely get crews into the area.  A contingency line is being built with dozers several miles north of this area to stop the fire if it crosses Dinkey Creek.

AN EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING over the next 7 days will affect the fire with hotter temperatures and drier vegetation. Temperatures within the 90s and low 100s are expected across the fire Wednesday, with minimum humidity of 20-28%. Low winds expected with gusts up to 15mph.  Three spike camps have been set up closer to the fire perimeter, allowing crews to overnight near the fire, reducing travel time so crews can work more on the fire line.

The Basin Fire started on June 26th and the cause is currently under investigation. Currently, the fire is burning at 2000-4500 elevation, northeast of Pine Flat Lake, west of the Spanish Mountain, south of Black Rock Rd (11S012) and north of the South Fork of the Kings River. 

July 3, 2024 at 7:28 AM

The Basin Fire northeast of Fresno is currently at 13,819 acres and 26% containment. The fire is burning primarily in dry, dense grass within the Rough Fire scar from 2015. 

One week after it started, the Basin Fire northeast of Fresno is at 13,166 acres. Firefighters have worked hard to safely earn 26% fire containment along the Kings River corridor, a positive trend. The fire is burning primarily in dry, dense grass within the Rough Fire scar from 2015.

Fire growth slowed under higher humidity for the second day in a row Monday, with some fire movement north toward Dinkey Creek, and also to the west/northwest. Priority firefighting efforts continued to effectively protect structures and energy infrastructure at Balch Camp. The southwest front of the fire burned up to the contingency bulldozer line on Sacate Ridge. Today, crews will keep improving this contingency line. The objective is to tie this line in with existing roads and to complete fuel breaks around the west and north of the fire. Three spike camps have been set up closer to the fire perimeter, allowing crews to overnight near the fire, reducing travel time so crews can work more on the fire line.

A heat wave will continue today, bringing hotter temperatures and lower relative humidities throughout the week. The National Weather Service has issued an EXCESSIVE HEAT warning from July 2nd to July 8th: this is a long duration, high impact and dangerous heat wave. 

The Basin Fire started on June 26th and the cause is currently under investigation. Currently, the fire is burning at 2000-4500 elevation, northeast of Pine Flat Lake, west of the Spanish Mountain, south of Black Rock Rd (11S012) and north of the South Fork of the Kings River. 

July 2, 2024 at 7:54 AM

The majority of fire growth yesterday occurred on the western edge and northwest corner of the fire. Crews were able to access the western flank of the fire directly from the recently improved road and were able to contain a spot fire that started near Lower Rancheria Creek, tying it in with the main body of the fire. Bulldozers have constructed a contingency line west of the fire, which will tie in with existing roads to form fuel breaks around the west and north of the fire. Fire crossed the control line on the northern edge of the fire near Rogers Ridge, but firefighters were able contain it quickly. There was no movement on the southern edge of the fire, which continues to hold along the Kings River corridor. Three spike camps have been set up closer to the fire perimeter, which will allow crews to overnight near the fire, reducing travel time and allowing them to spend more time on the fire line. 

A heat wave is expected to start today, bringing hotter temperatures and lower relative humidities throughout the week. The National Weather Service has issued an EXCESSIVE HEAT warning from July 2nd to July 8th: this is a long duration, high impact and dangerous heat wave. 

The Basin Fire started on June 26th and the cause is currently under investigation. Currently, the fire is burning at 2000-4500 elevation, northeast of Pine Flat Lake, west of the Spanish Mountain, south of Black Rock Rd (11S012) and north of the South Fork of the Kings River. 

EVACUATIONS: There are mandatory evacuation orders for Fresno County zones K29, K30, K31, K40, K41, K166.  Evacuation warnings are in effect for zones K61, and K76. Please check the Fresno County Evacuation map: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=e7d6006a016a444db8b210ac4d2eb5cf

The Sierra National Forest has implemented new temporary fire restrictions prohibiting campfires, welding, and smoking in non-developed campsites. Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sierra/alerts-notices for full details of the fire restrictions and Forest Order.

NEW Temporary Partial Forest Closure Order for the Basin Fire: To ensure the safety of the public and our firefighters, The Sierra National Forest has issued a Temporary Forest Closure for the Basin Fire area. Effective June 30, 2024, the closure will remain in effect until July 30, 2024. We urge the public to respect all closure signs and barriers and to avoid the area to prevent any potential accidents or interference with firefighting efforts. Please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/sierra for the forest order and area map.

Forest Visitors:  This may impact your Fourth of July holiday plans! You will not be able to visit the campgrounds and trails within the closure area.  Please support our firefighters and stay out of this area.

Closures: Road closure signs have been placed on the perimeter of the fire.  The public should review which roads are closed before traveling into the area because no one will be allowed to enter zones under evacuation warnings. To access websites showing both evacuation orders, road closures and many other emergency resources, visit: http://www.fresnocountyemergency.com

Smoke – Visit AirNow to find out the Air Quality Index in your area. As smoke gets worse, the amount of particles in the air changes – and so do the steps you should take to protect yourself. AirNow recommends precautions you can take to protect your health when air pollution gets bad

July 1, 2024 at 6:57 AM

The fire is burning primarily in dry, dense grass within the Rough Fire scar from 2015. While there was some growth along the northwest and eastern edges of the fire yesterday, the rate of growth is slowing. Additional personnel and equipment are continuing to arrive daily to support firefighting operations on the Basin Fire. Crews are improving roads east of Sacate Ridge to gain access to the northwest corner of the fire, which will be the highest priority for aircraft support today. Structure protection crews are working in the Balch Camp area to protect energy infrastructure, and bulldozers are continuing their work constructing a fuel break to the west and northwest of the fire. Hot shot crews will be inserted on the northern edge of the fire near Rodger’s Ridge and will be supported by aircraft. The southern perimeter of the fire is holding north of the South Fork of the Kings River.

Continued growth to the western and northwest portion of the fire. Moderate to large areas of intense fire was along the western and northwestern portions of the fire. Scattered fire was throughout the body of the fire. Isolated fires were generally within fairly close proximity to the main perimeters.

The weather today should be similar to yesterday with light winds and temperatures at the fire of 86-92 and minimum relative humidity of 12-15%. A heat wave forecast for July 2-6 will bring challenging temperatures of near 100 at the fire with low humidity.

A lightning storm passed through the High Sierra Ranger District on June 24th on the Sierra National Forest and 18 wildfires resulted. Fire crews have successfully contained 17 out of the 18 from the lightning storm.

June 30, 2024 at 8:32 AM

The Basin Fire is 9,549 acres with 0% containment.  The fire started on Wednesday, June 26th. The cause is currently under investigation.  It is on the High Sierra Ranger District of the Sierra National Forest.  It is northeast of Pine Flat Lake, west of Spanish Mountain, south of Black Rock Rd (11S012) and north of the South Fork of Kings River. 

The main fuels are grass and brush.  The grass is dead, dried and very dense after two years of significant rainfall across California.  This fuel type has been surprisingly resistant to control on this fire, as a result of its very thick and dense base. 

Fire crews are working diligently to hold the fire north of the South Fork of the Kings River; this is the current southern fire perimeter. The northern fire perimeter is holding along Rodger’s Ridge and crews are building and improving fire-line to hold the fire along this ridge. Structure protection crews have been deployed to protect energy infrastructure at Balch Camp, at the confluence of Dinky Creek and the North Fork of the Kings River. Bulldozers are building a fire break to the west/northwest of the fire, a remote area with potential for moderate fire growth. It is this northwestern fire perimeter area that has the greatest potential for growth. Crews have been able to build some direct line on the eastern fire perimeter but are also looking for opportunities to build indirect line as well.  Additional personnel and equipment have been ordered to the Basin Fire and are arriving daily.

Winds should remain light today, with temperatures at the fire of 85-90 and minimum relative humidity of 15-18%. A heat wave forecast for July 2-6 will bring challenging temperatures of near 100 at the fire with low humidity.

NEW Temporary Partial Forest Closure Order for the Basin Fire: To ensure the safety of the public and our firefighters, The Sierra National Forest has issued a Forest Closure for the Basin Fire area. Effective June 30, 2024, the closure will remain in effect until July 30, 2024. We urge the public to respect all closure signs and barriers and to avoid the area to prevent any potential accidents or interference with firefighting efforts. Please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/sierra for the forest order and area map.

Forest Visitors:  this may impact your Fourth of July holiday plans! You will not be able to visit the campgrounds and trails within the closure area.  Please support our firefighters and stay out of this area.

There is a mandatory evacuation order for the following Fresno County zones:  KK30, K29, K73 north and K75 south of Elwood.

There is an evacuation warning for these Fresno County zones: K72, K73 south, K75 north of Elwood, K 93 and K 134.. 

Please check the Fresno County Evacuation map: https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=e7d6006a016a444db8b210ac4d2eb5cf

Closures: 

Road closure signs have been placed on the perimeter of the fire.  The public should review which roads are closed before traveling into the area because no one will be allowed to enter zones under evacuation warnings. To access websites showing both evacuation orders, road closures and many other emergency resources, visit: http://www.fresnocountyemergency.com

Smoke – Visit AirNow to find out the Air Quality Index in your area. As smoke gets worse, the amount of particles in the air changes – and so do the steps you should take to protect yourself. AirNow recommends precautions you can take to protect your health when air pollution gets bad

June 29, 2024 at 8:27 AM

Active fire behavior with uphill runs, and short crown runs
Fire is in a remote location with difficult access
Evacuation orders in effect
Road and trail closures in the area
Threat to critical infrastructure
Threat to the community of Balch, repeaters, campgrounds and other recreational areas

The Basin Fire is 7,462 acres with 0% containment.  The fire started on Wednesday, June 26th. The cause is currently under investigation.  It is on the High Sierra Ranger District of the Sierra National Forest.  It is northeast of Pine Flat Lake, west of Spanish Mountain, south of Black Rock Rd (11S012) and north of the South Fork of Kings River. 

A response of over 400 professional firefighters are working on this fire with significant personnel and equipment ordered or enroute.  Both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters are assisting especially in areas that are unsafe or inaccessible to firefighters. California Critical Incident Management Team 11 has been delegated the authority to manage the fire and is coordinating the fire response efforts for Sierra National Forest.  The fire perimeter has been divided into 5 divisions for precision management of the firefighting efforts.

The main fuels are grass and brush.  The grass is dead and dried and very dense after Two years of significant rainfall in the area.  This fuel type has been surprisingly resistant to control on this fire, as a result of its very thick and dense base. 

The fire is burning between 2000 – 4500 feet in elevation.  Temperatures at this elevation will increase a few degrees each day for the next few days to 90 degrees on Sunday.  Relative humidity minimums will remain at 15-18%, with a maximum overnight recovery to 45%.  Winds will remain calm with 6-9 mph upslope and gusts up to 12 mph.  An inversion layer has developed and is blanketing much of the fire area with smoke, limiting the use of aircraft, particularly fixed wing.  Next week, temperatures are expected to increase to triple digits, beginning on July 3rd.

June 28, 2024 at 7:30 AM

Active fire behavior with uphill runs, long-range spotting and running
Evacuation orders in effect
Road closures in the area
Threat to critical infrastructure
Evacuation of local campgrounds
CAIIMT 11 (Fogle) will assume command at 0700 today

June 26, 2024 at 11:00 PM

CA Team 11 (Fogle) Activation to CA-SNF-000731-Basin

June 26, 2024 at 10:55 PM

On June 24th, 2024 the High Sierra Ranger District of the Sierra National Forest, was in the path of a lightning storm that created 18 fires. An additional fire, and by far the largest, is the Basin Fire which was detected today, June 26th, 2024. The fire is burning in grass and oak timber near Balch Camp. It is traveling in a northeast direction toward Black Rock at a rapid rate. Air resources from the surrounding 18 fires on the High Sierra Ranger District have been reassigned to the Basin Fire. Aircraft is being utilized to slow the rate of spread. In this air response, your continued cooperation to keep all personally operated drones away from the fire footprint, is appreciated. If a non-fire assigned drone is detected, fire-related air operations cease until the situation is resolved.

Over one hundred firefighters are currently fighting the Basin Fire. Hot Shots, hand crews, dozers, and engines are focusing on point protection for structures in the Balch Camp area. Resource orders are being placed to mobilize more forces, to not only focus on the initial attack of the Basin Fire, but to also continue suppressing the 18 other fires that are on the district. An Incident Management Team is being requested for the Basin Fire as well.

Emergency closures are in place for the Kirch Flat Campground and Balch Camp. The FS 12S01 Road is closed at the intersection of Trimmer Springs Road at Baily Bridge.

Fire crews are committed to protecting our natural resources and communities. They are working around the clock to protect our national forest and the values within. There will be an increase in traffic both in town and on surrounding forest roads. Please use caution while visiting your national forest. Please help our firefighters focus on the ongoing lightning caused wildfires and think carefully about preventing wildfires on your way to and while visiting the Sierra National Forest.