Creek Fire Updates

creek fire

Creek Fire Evacuations and Warnings

CalFire released a map of structure damage.

Creek Fire Updates

September 18

290,000 acres, 32% contained.

Fresno County: Active burning in the South Zone of the Creek Fire occurred during yesterday operational period south of Mount Tom progressing towards Portal Forebay.  Active burning and torching occurred in heavy fuels and timber in this area.  On the eastern portion of the fire progression was towards the east and on the south portion of the Zone it burned within control lines and consumed fuels interior to the existing perimeter.   

Weather will follow the trend of season temperatures and low relative humidity with light winds, leading smoke to settle in the canyons and other low areas overnight into the morning with clearing by the midafternoon.  Sunny skies will return Wednesday with little change in temperature or humidity and stabilize.  

Fire progression may reach the Portal Forebay on the north portion of the Zone, and on the east portion of the fire it will progress towards the Dinkey Lake Wilderness. The southern portion of the fire should burn completely within and to the control lines from the burning operation.  In high elevation areas with rock outcroppings, progression will slow.  Smoldering will continue in heavier fuel loads such as timber and areas with dense fuel beds.

Operational priorities for today on the South Zone will include tactical patrol in all areas. Tactical patrol includes mopping up areas of the fire still exhibiting open flame, smoke and smoldering, and focusing on ensuring threatened structures are prepared for possible defense should the fire impact their communities.  Additionally, line improvement and construction will remain a focus to improve containment of the fire with heavy equipment and hand crews removing additional fuels from areas around existing line.

Madera County: Weather conditions will continue to remain very consistent, possibly through the weekend. The alternating pattern of daytime up-sloping winds followed by nighttime down-sloping winds will be the dominant weather pattern. Fire crews have used this consistency and have implemented a very efficient routine and maximizing the use of air resources. Air Operations had a very busy day on the western perimeter of the fire near Central Camp. Helicopters performing water drops, and fixed wing aircraft dropping fire retardant along constructed dozer lines allowed for aggressive back-burning in this area. The fire has been brought around Central Camp utilizing these back burns, and confidence is high that this area will continue to be under control. Firefighters continue to patrol the cabins and to this point have protected the structures in this area.

Air reconnaissance was also used to visually survey the northern fire perimeter. After the fire spread last weekend over Beasore Road, this was the first opportunity to inspect the area including Granite Creek and Clover Meadows Camps. Fire preparations performed last week proved to be effective, and though the fire passed through these areas, the buildings in these camps were saved. Fire has also passed around Strawberry Mine, and the main buildings appear to be free of damage.

At its closest distance, the fire was measured to be about 14 miles west of Mammoth Lakes. The visual inspection verified that the natural barriers and the previous burn scar do appear to be limiting fire spread in the north-eastern flank.

September 17

10:15a: 244,000 acres, 18% contained. 744 structures destroyed, 9,000+ threatened.

Fresno County: The South Zone of the Creek Fire enters a critical period for the remainder of this week as winds will increase the next several days combining with other weather influences which may encourage fire growth.  As a result, the operational priorities and objectives will focus on protecting at risk communities and infrastructure in the areas most likely to see fire growth. 

While the lifting of the smoke inversion the next few days may allow aviation assets to deploy and assist with fire attack, it will also provide more preheating of fuels on south and southwest slope aspects in the zone.  If the predicted winds develop this could result in increased fire activity, spotting, and spread into areas where the alignment of topography and weather are a potential.  For this reason, direct attack, direct line construction, and active mop-up of all areas in the South Zone are prioritized for resources assigned on the fireline.

Crews assigned to the eastern perimeter are working to construct new fireline and improve existing fireline.  Utilizing built and natural barriers, such as roads and existing topographical features, personnel are strengthening the line around the Rock Creek and Bald Mountain.  Work progresses around China Peak to fully establish containment lines. 

Near and around Shaver Lake structure protection is the operational priority as line south of the area is being constructed.   If the fire moves east and north from the southernmost portion of the fire into Blue Canyon towards the threatened communities around Bretz Hill Rd, additional structure damage could be realized.  Additionally, direct attack of open flame and aggressive mop-up continue in this area, and all areas around communities on the fire.

Madera County: Very dry air began moving into the region yesterday, along with increased winds and weakening of the inversion. These factors allow for increased fire growth along the north and northeastern flanks of the Creek Fire. Containment lines on the west flank were extended north from Cascadel Woods to an area just south of Peckinpah Meadow. Extension of containment lines has kept overall containment at 18% despite the fire spread. Very low humidity levels will continue today, with an enhancement of the upslope winds for these higher elevations.

Work continues on the west flank to fortify contingency lines and to protect assets such as Central Camp and the Bass Lake area. The tactics deployed in this area will provide options for our firefighting operations depending on how the fire reacts to the changing weather conditions in this area.

September 15

1:15p: Some evacuation orders downgraded to mandates.

One tanker working the Tollhouse Road area.

9:45a: 220,000 acres (+8,000), 16% contained (-). Structures destroyed up to 555, rising because of increased surveying. 11,000+ still threatened.

From the morning briefing.

Fresno County: Today firefighters are preparing for a change in weather on the Creek Fire South Zone. Weather change brings changes in fire behavior. The fire has been relatively calm under the current inversion. That inversion will be lifting, bringing clear air, more heat to the vegetation and wind to the fire. Fire managers have reminded firefighters to “fight fire aggressively but provide for safety first.”

Holding line in the Jose Basin will be the primary priority today. Down canyon winds challenged that line last night. Even though there is still significant heat inside the line all control lines held. They will work to improve that line as well as the line around all the South Zone communities today.

Last night fire challenged a dozer line near Burrough Mountain. The mountain and nearby valley had been worked with air tankers yesterday to hold fire in check due to the potential of a run toward Tollhouse. To prevent this from occurring, a tactical firing operation is planned for that section of line. Firefighters have developed a plan to bring the fire to the dozer line when conditions are right for firing. This operation will remove approximately 5,000 acres of fuel between the dozer line and the current edge of the fire. This is also part of the project to button up Blue Canyon.

In Blue Canyon, where multiple dozer lines have boxed in the fire, firefighters have extended hose lines and will be mopping up the area closest to Shaver Lake and the surrounding community. As the weather change progresses, Blue Canyon will be aligned with winds that have potential to push the fire toward Shaver Lake.

On the eastern portion of the fire crews are working to contain and strengthen the perimeter control line. Several spot fires, including an 81 acre spot near Bald Mountain have been lined. Structures to the east of the fire are being wrapped with fire resistant material in preparation for the potential of fire spread to the east. Crews are also opening up Rock Creek Road to provide for a secondary line.

Last night, an 8-acre flare up occurred near Huntington Lake. This was within the perimeter of the fire. There are multiple island of unburned vegetation around local communities and withing the burn area. These are expected to flare up in the days and weeks to come.

Madera County: Estimated containment for the fire has increased to 16%, with the line in Madera County now extending from Redinger Lake to Mammoth Pools and Cascadel Woods. Firefighters remain in the area to patrol for hot spots. Crews continue extending line to Central Camp and points north as well as back-burning operations to secure perimeter. Standing dead trees, or snags, pose substantial safety hazards to firefighters in the area.

Work is progressing on clearing the 81 Road and Mammoth Pools Road within the fire perimeter. Utility companies are beginning to access the area to restore service. The Sheriff’s office has escorted several ranchers and bee keepers into the area to retrieve cattle and hives. Please visit the Sheriff’s website (QR code and complete web address below in yellow highlight) for current updates on evacuation orders and warnings.

The Forest Service announced a 1-week extension for the closure of National Forest Lands in California. The Sheriff continues to enforce county evacuation notices and maintain road closures to protect the public. Damage assessments are approximately 46% complete; the county will notify property owners directly as information becomes available.

Air quality is expected to continue to improve over the next few days. Air operations are resuming missions slated for today.

Creek Fire progression map.

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September 14

10:15p: 212,000 acres (unchanged) and 16% containment (+6pp).

Fresno County: Several evacuation orders in the Creek Fire South Zone downgraded today. Still, some 10,000 residents remain evacuated with structures at risk.

Fire burning northeast towards the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Spread should slow as it reaches rocky terrain. On the west side, the fire pushed through perimeter lines in the Jose Basin, threatening structures. Luckily, the run did not destroy any and, with shifting winds, firefighters constructed new control lines.

Madera County: Today saw a number of evacuation warnings lifted in Madera County: John West, Upper 426 road and China Creek.

Smoke hung over the drainages in the morning, but cleared in the afternoon, bringing increased fire activity. Current fire progression is to the north and northeast towards McCurry Trailhead, Jackass Meadow, Portuguese View Point, Globe Rock, and Little Shuteye Peak.

Overnight, the fire will also move continue moving towards Central Camp, South Fork Bluffs and Whiskey Falls.

Tough images coming from 168.

This isn’t before and after: Same road separated by less than a mile.

Recent hot spots circled.

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3:40p: Getting some helicopter action over the fire on 168/Tollhouse Road.

3:00p: Some evacuation orders lowered to warnings.

Madera County has lifted evacuation warnings for zones M49 Road 422, M50, John West, and M51 Upper Road 426.

Two for one: Here’s what a water line looks like and an incredible video of a tanker drop.

Tough video from Kennolyn Camps, but at least some structures survived.

9:55a: From the morning incident briefing.

Fresno County: Down canyon winds have increased fire activity in Jose Basin and pushed the fire across the line toward structures. This morning, firefighters are engaged in structure protection in the area. Later this morning, as winds shift to an up-canyon flow, fire crews will work to re-establish a perimeter control line and mop up hot spots.

Smoke over the fire has shaded the vegetation and decreased fire behavior over the last several days. Today, that smoke could clear at the higher elevations and lead to more intense fire activity which could include runs and spotting. With this in mind, fire crews have been scouting beyond the fire out to the east to locate structures and other values at risk. A plan will be developed for the protection of these resources in the event that fire does move to the east.

On the eastern perimeter dozers, engines and crews will be working to construct new line and strengthen existing fireline. In the Tamarack area crews are tying into roads and natural barriers between Rock Creek and Bald Mountain and working to strengthen lines around several spot fires in Tamarack Creek. Line is also being established around China Peak.

The northeast portion of the fire, where the smoke shading will have less of an impact, is expected to be the most active portion of the fire today. However, if smoke clears at the lower elevations there is a potential that fire in Blue Canyon could also make a run. With that in mind firefighters are working the perimeter and preparing structures around Shaver Lake.

One major concern is the potential for extreme fire behavior should the air become clear above the fire area. Clearing air will be an indication for firefighters on the ground that conditions are about to change. When the inversion over a fire begins to break up and the air starts to mix, it is very much like opening the flue of a fireplace. The smoke will begin to rise and pull fresh air into the fire, increasing activity. Firefighters are preparing for this possibility and will adjust tactics as necessary.

Madera County: The Madera County Sheriff lifted evacuation advisories for Zones M58 – M87, the general Highway 41 corridor between Road 200 and Bass Lake Road (also known as Road 222). Please visit the Sheriff’s website (QR code and complete web address below in yellow highlight) for current evacuation status. Firefighters are working to clear Road 81 and Mammoth Pool Road so utility companies can restore service before residents to return.

While dense smoke persists throughout valley bottoms this morning, winds from the south and southwest are expected to increase later this afternoon, potentially bringing a little fresh air to the area. Winds are expected to push the fire to the north/northeast.

On the north side of the fire, crews are focused on point protection, defending identified areas such as structures. Protection measures are in place at Devil’s Post Pile National Monument and Red Meadows. Fire suppression work continues on the west side; miles of line extend from Redinger Lake north to Cascadel Woods and Central Camp, with dozer line circling communities and many dispersed structures. Crews continue to back-burn between the containment lines and the active fire front, working to declare additional sections of the perimeter contained.

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8:15a: Creek Fire is now 212,000 ares (+10,000 overnight) and 10% containment. It’s burning hottest in the north, but there remain hotspots south and east of Shaver Lake. Up to 389 structures destroyed with damage crews about 30% through their assessment.

This map shows hotspots, with the recent ones circled.

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September 13

9:45p: 202,000 acres, 10% containment (up from 8%). It took the Rim Fire 13 days to reach 200,000; the Creek Fire did it in 9.

Recent hotspots to the east and north as the fire expands further into wilderness area. Air attacks today on the Dinkey Creek area, where there are cabins and other structures to defend.

creek fire

1:15p: Things change fast in the air. Two tankers currently working in the Dinkey Creek area, looks like near a spot fire that’s a bit east of the main blaze.

12:45p: No tankers currently in the area, but an MD-87 made a few passes earlier and a 737 is on its way to Fresno from Santa Maria after first going to the Castle Fire/SQF Complex.

Some evacuation warnings lifted!

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10:45a: Tanker in the area, along with some recon planes.

9:45a: Fire is up to 202,000 acres (+5,000 since last night) with 8% containment.

From the incident report:

Fresno County: Today the weather will transition and winds, combined with lower humidity and higher temperatures will begin to develop in the afternoon. The Creek Fire South Zone firefighters are working on multiple fronts that will become more active as the smoke clears. (Note that there is currently smoke being thrown from the South Sierra’s Castle Fire.)

A lot of work has been accomplished while the smoke layer has subdued the fire during the last four days. Crews will fight to hold and improve on that work today. They will focus on identifying and extinguishing hot spots around structures on the south of Huntington Lake, where firefighters engaged with a defensive firing operation that saved several structures. Fire also challenged the line in the area of Old Bretz Mill and Sierra Cedars. Firefighters held the line, preventing the fire from moving toward nearby structures.

The fire did burn over the line yesterday in Jose Basin on the southwest edge of the fire. Crews will work to pick the area up as it backs down the hill. They will also be patrolling around structures and mopping up any hot spots.

Line construction will continue in multiple areas. Construction of fireline between Shaver Lake and Dinky Creek is a high priority for fire managers as there is no suitable ridge to the east they can use as a contingency line. Fireline work will continue along Cherry Valley and into Blue Canyon where the fire could become aligned with the shifting wind a make a run. In the northeast the fire has been running along the North and South Zone dividing line for the fire. This finger of fire is burning in light fuels and moving toward natural rock barriers that will slow spread.

Madera County: The fire continues to push west toward Central Camp, challenging initial plans for containment lines in that area, but structure protection remains in place. Firefighters are developing and improving containment line on the west side of the fire from Redinger Lake north to Cascadel Woods and Central Camp.

Weather: Increasing winds are likely to begin moving smoke out of the north end of the fire, which is also expected to encourage fire growth to the northeast. Structure protection is underway on the north side of the fire, at Devil’s Post Pile National Monument, and Reds Meadows.

Air operations expected to resume with increased visibility. There have been conflicts between firefighting operations and drones. Do not fly a drone in the fire’s area.

Damage assessment in progress; see the map embedded above for updates.

Updated heat map here.

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September 12

10:15p: Creek Fire up to 197,000 acres and 8% containment (up from 6%).

Today’s activity in Fresno County: Northern portion of the South Zone had increased activity as smoke cleared at higher elevations. The fire made northeast runs in the Mill Creek and San Joaquin River drainage. It’s running into natural barriers and should slow soon after several days of growth in this area.

Smoke remained in lower elevations, but higher temperatures led to some increased action in the Old Bretz Mill area. Crews constructed direct fire lines and cleared fuels as the fire burned near structures.

The fire continued to back down Kaiser Ridge. It also continued working through Blue Canyon with occasional tree torching. The backing fire in Blue Canyon has contingency lines around it.

Terrain-driven winds tomorrow will clear smoke and continue moving the fire into deep canyons. This could affect Auberry, Shaver Lake, and Old Bretz Mill. Short range spotting will continue (there’s a spot fire in the Dinkey Creek area).

In Madera County, humidity fell to single digits, which contributed to active fire runs. The fire is expected to move north and east towards the Minarets.

Smoke will decrease in the next 72 hours with slope-driven winds shifting to afternoon up-slope winds as the smoke clears, except near the Sierra Crest. There, strong south to southwest winds are likely.

Increased fire activity likely in the North Fork Brown Creek, Central Camp, and Graveyard Meadows areas.

Map with hot areas circled.

10:40a: The fire is now 196,000 acres, up from 182,000 early last night. Much of that growth has come at its north and northeast fronts. There was some overnight activity on the north shore of Huntington Lake and south of Shaver Lake. I’ve circled the early morning hotspots.

creek fire september 12

And here’s information from today’s incident briefing.

Fresno County: Smoke stayed in the area overnight, dampening fire activity. Fire is still active in the South Zone. Pushing northeast towards the wilderness in the area south of Mammoth Pools.

Conditions improving in Auberry as firefighters make headway building line directly and indirectly on the fire’s edge from the San Joaquin River east to 168. They’re still working around structures to quickly identify hot spots and mop them up. That’s also taking place near homes at Huntington Lake and Shaver Lake.

There are seven spot fires east of Huntington Lake. Firefighters have lined all of them and will now extend hose lines around that spot fires to extinguish the remaining heat.

The fire is backing into Blue Canyon and today crews will determine how to address that situation. Because there’s so much dead and downed fuel, this backing raises concerns that the fire could further establish itself there and make a run into Shaver Lake from the south.

Firefighters will also be assessing a new spot fire in the area of Bald Mountain.

Madera County: Crews continuing to work on the containment line, moving north on the west side of the fire toward Central Camp. Dozers and hand crews are building the line while other firefighters have back-burned the area between the new line and active fire front. No firefighters have been injured to date during this incident.

Weather: The smoke has moderated temperatures and winds, keeping up-canyon winds lighter. This afternoon, though, the smoke will start to enhance winds near the Sierra Crest, gaining steam into Sunday. Winds will reach 20-25mph with gusts up to 40 along the northeast edge of the fire above 7,000 feet. Relative humidity will stay low.

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September 11

11:30p: Creek Fire is now 182,000 acres and 6% containment. That’s roughly 7,000 more acres than yesterday.

In Fresno County, smoke stayed over the fire, keeping behavior moderate to active throughout the day. On the southern end, the fire progressed with flanking and backing runs while on the northern end it had sustained slope runs. Main spread in the southeast and northeast. Focus remains on structure protection in Auberry and Huntington Lake. Line construction progressing in Blue Canyon – critical to protect Shaver Lake.

Meanwhile, in Madera County, the fire continues to burn actively above the smoke layer with low-to-moderate levels below the inversion. Smoke will remain in the area early tomorrow, keeping fire activity dull, but will clear later in the day with increasing winds. “Fire edge should remain in place from the San Joaquin River to Shuteye Lookout.”

From the satellites, here’s the hottest areas to burn recently.

Lots of destruction along Petersen Road. Most destroyed between Tollhouse and Cripes Road.

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4:05p: Ridgetop area generally looks okay.

Firefighters quickly worked on a spot fire on Woody Lane off 168.

Lots still standing at Dinkey Creek and Edlerberry.

Many homes on Pineridge to Cressman Road have burned.

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3:55p: Local report is in the Creek Fire burn scar. Please DM him your address to see if he can check out potential damage.

1:00p: Smoke, smoke, and more smoke. No air attacks on the fire today because of it. These snapshots from ALERT cams show how thick it is.

Good Twitter thread with videos in the burn area. Check it out for damage updates.

8:30a: Fire burning hottest and most actively on its north end and at the south by Bretz Mill. Local reporters saying yesterday was a “turning point” as firefighters started to contain the fire. Milder weather will hopefully provide another productive day.

Here’s the operations map for September 11.

Very smokey conditions, which, unless it clears, will limit air attacks on the fire.

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September 10

10:05p: Local media again to the rescue. Further updates on damage. Credit to Fox26 News.

Jungle Town Lane

  • Badly hit

Orchard Ave

  • Trucks in back industrial area mostly lost

Huntington Lake Road opposite Point Drive

  • All homes lost

Mountain Juniper

  • Standing, but some damaged

Mountain Manzanita

  • Good

Mountain Cedar

  • All standing but some with damage

Upper Cedar

  • Good condition

Mountain Poplar

  • Cars in yard of 55145 destroyed
  • Parking garage across from Unit 204A lost

Mountain Spruce

  • Home between 55197 and 55123 is lost, but all others are good

Eastwood Lane

  • 33114

Point Drive – The following are still standing:

  • Volunteer fire department
  • Post office
  • General store
  • FS1039
  • Community church
  • School and motel
  • 55237
  • 55240
  • 55251
  • 55263
  • 55289
  • 55388
  • 55395
  • 55396
  • 55407
  • 55408
  • 55420
  • 55419
  • 55429
  • 55430
  • Big screen Station
  • Southern California Edison power station is okay
  • Grouping of red houses with green roofs on south side of road leading into Big Creek is standing.

The FOX26 crew also checked homes along Auberry Road, west of the 168 up to Bald Mountain Road.

Due to time constraints, they were only able to survey the homes along the main road, and turned around at Bald Mountain.

If your house number is on this list, it is still standing:

  • 45290
  • 45250
  • 45122 – burned but a shed or garage is still standing Jacobson’s 45032 – part of a building is standing but another is down
  • 44888
  • 44512
  • 44448
  • 44410
  • 44465 – badly damaged but partially standing One home down the hill east of Alder Springs is standing. We couldn’t see the address
  • 43119
  • 42985
  • 42969 – standing, along with a house behind it Mile High Park – standing but damaged

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9:30p: Fire is 176,000 acres and is 6% contained – the first containment on the blaze. Despite lacking aerial support because of poor visibility, crews made headway on building initial containment and dozer lines to protect unburned structures. They’ve been focusing on the southern end of the fire given its proximity to structures.

From the evening briefing:

  • Building bulldozer lines between Highway 168 and Jose Basin Road
  • Hand crews working in Burrough Mountain and Tollhouse Road
  • Dozers and hand crews working in Madera County to extend containment line from the San Joaquin River to Castle Peak
  • Attempting to keep fire east of Mammoth Pools Road by expanding old dozer lines and roads
  • Incorporating natural fire breaks (ie, rocky outcrops and open areas) into containment lines near Cascadel Woods
  • Dozer lines around the Marina View Community north to Bayshore Road

Ongoing damage inspection. Currently 361 confirmed structures destroyed, 60 of which were homes.

Alder Springs is reportedly completely destroyed.

Details coming from Big Creek.

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4:10p: Two tankers working from Auberry Road up to Reddinger Lake, largely along Jose Basin Road. First aerial activity all day.

3:30p: Local journalism is a treasure. YourCentralValley.com did an incredible job videoing their drive through numerous neighborhoods. Full site here, check it out. Summary below.

Radio Lane off Ringtail Lane: Structures look fine.

Merriman Lane near Ringtail Lane: Homes look fine.

Auberry Road past Pinecone Lane: Structures look okay.

44000 Auberry Road: Many structures destroyed with a few still standing on the road’s west side.

Alder Heights Road and Auberry Road: Most structures destroyed.

41000 Auberry Road: Many structures destroyed with a few still standing on the road’s west/south side.

Parts of Huntington Lake Road: Most structures destroyed.

Dowville East and West off Huntington Lake Road: Structures still standing.

Auberry Road, East of 168: Structures destroyed.

Near 45250 Auberry Road: Structure destroyed.

Near 45265 Auberry Road: Structures destroyed on the north side, standing on the south side of the road.

Bretz Mill: Structures currently standing.

Crest Point Lane loops to Ockenden Ranch Road via Musick Falls Lane: Structures standing.

Thanks for reading! Hoping to provide useful information about the Creek Fire. Would appreciate any coffee to listen to the scanner later into the night 🙂 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rs44

3:15p: Some activity on the south side of the fire: Smoke column leaning over, throwing some spot fires ahead of it. Fire moving to, if not over, Soaproot Saddle. Air support requested, but air is too dirty right now. VLATs all parked at Sacramento. Three helicopters in the area and two fixed-wing recon planes.

Winds are blowing from the south/southwest. This could put pressure on Bretz Mill and, with increased fire activity, south shores of Shaver Lake and cabins in the Dinkey Creek area.

Thanks for reading! Hoping to provide useful information about the Creek Fire. Would appreciate any coffee to listen to the scanner later into the night 🙂 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rs44

1:15p: Firefighters working to defend structures in North Fork, Cascadel Woods, and Bass Lake with dozer lines. The thick smoke layer and moderated weather conditions helping the fight on this western front.

Aerial crews currently grounded because of smokey conditions. They dropped 100,000+ gallons yesterday. There’s currently one lone plane over the Auberry and Tollhouse areas, flying at 12,000, probably mapping the fire’s boundaries.

Structural damage on Auberry Road.

Camp Silver Fir looks almost entirely burned.

Cedar Crest/Huckleberry experienced lots of structure damage.

Lakeshore Resort looks in fairly good shape for the time being.

Thanks for reading! Hoping to provide useful information about the Creek Fire. Would appreciate any coffee to listen to the scanner later into the night 🙂 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rs44

Homes near Flint Ridge still standing.

10:15a: Smoke inversion in Madera County for much of the Creek Fire, leading to low-to-moderate fire activity under the smoke layer. Above it, fire remains active and intense in high fuel areas.

Wind has died down and will largely be terrain driven. Temperatures coming back to seasonal norms, though humidity is still lower than average.

There have been 361 structures destroyed with thousands still at-risk.

Growth coming through spot fires that find new fuels.

9:00a: The Creek Fire has grown to 175,000 acres. Overnight it made progress towards Dinkey Creek Road with some spot fires running ahead. Firefighters are concerned the two flanks snaking around Shaver Lake will connect and threaten Shaver Lake (again) and other structures in the Dinkey Creek area. They are working on existing fuel breaks to alleviate that concern.

Growth around Huntington Lake. It looks like, from the official map, that Lakeshore is still just outside the fire’s perimeter. Cedar Crest is inside the burn area, though no official word on structure toll there.

South flank of the fire, north of Tollhouse, slowly worked down ridges, firefighters trying to “pin it off” on a roadway.

West front growing and threatening structures near Bass Lakes. Air attacks laid a lot of retardant in that area, aided by some VLATs. Smoke lying low early, but they’re hoping it clears to enable more drops.

Thanks for reading! Hoping to provide useful information about the Creek Fire. Would appreciate any coffee to listen to the scanner later into the night 🙂 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rs44

7:00a: Burned houses near Tollhouse at Petersen Road.

Still a hot spot on 168 along Hunting Road before it turns into Tollhouse Road.

Boats at Shaver Lake Marina safe.

Homes still standing in Appleridge and Meadowridge.

Shaver Ranch completely destroyed.

Thanks for reading! Hoping to provide useful information about the Creek Fire. Would appreciate any coffee to listen to the scanner later into the night 🙂 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rs44

September 9

10:00p: Fire activity heavy on the west front today, slowed by aggressive aerial attacks assisted by large tankers. Overnight, firefighters are working to touch up existing fuel breaks south and south east of Shaver Lake to prevent the fire, which split around Shaver Lake, from rejoining.

Winds will be shifting to come from the southwest (forecast for 12-18 hours from now). There’s a renewed risk for Shaver has a flank of the fire has established itself below the town, driven by winds from the east, and could blow back onto it. It would be worse if the fire reconnects, hence the importance of reinforcing those fuel breaks.

creek fire sierra national forest

Full video below.

Thanks for reading! Hoping to provide useful information about the Creek Fire. Would appreciate any coffee to listen to the scanner later into the night 🙂 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rs44

9:00p: Combine a pandemic with dozens of wildfires – with more popping up daily – and you get stressed resources going above and beyond the call of duty. Incredible what firefighters have been able to do.

7:30p: Fire 166,000 and 0% contained. Thankfully, it hasn’t grown much in size, despite fierce winds, after exploding to 150,000 acres.

Bass Lakes looks spared.

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the communities at Huntington Lake. Lots destroyed, but places close to the lake shore fared better. At least one neighborhood survived.

Thanks for reading! Hoping to provide useful information about the Creek Fire. Would appreciate any coffee to listen to the scanner later into the night 🙂 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rs44

5:40p: Lots of VLAT (very large air tanker) activity in the Meadow Lakes/Auberry Road area earlier. They put a hold on the activity about 50 minutes ago with the DC-10 able to complete its drop.

2:30p: Supertanker on its way. I believe I heard 10 minute ETA.

2:15p: Heavy fire activity by Jackass Campgrounds and Minarets Road, close to the Mammoth Pool Reservoir on the north side of the fire.

Thanks for reading! Hoping to provide useful information about the Creek Fire. Would appreciate any coffee to listen to the scanner later into the night 🙂 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rs44

Nice video of a drop.

2:00p: DC-10 and other tankers launching air attack on the Creek Fire near Meadow Lake, working to protect structures there.

Thanks for reading! Hoping to provide useful information about the Creek Fire. Would appreciate any coffee to listen to the scanner later into the night 🙂 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rs44

At least four homes in the West Village have been destroyed.

Littlefield threatened, currently protected by 80 firefighters.

11:30a: Fresno Bee, citing firefighters, reports that some structures have been destroyed at Huntington Lake and China Peak. Strike team worked at Huntington yesterday; staff housing burned at China Peak but seems like most of the resort still intact, though it remains under threat.

Spot fire near Courtright Reservoir doesn’t seem to be growing, thankfully. Burning close to, if not in, the Dinkey Creeks Wilderness, by Three Sisters Peak.

creek fire updates

Thanks for reading! Hoping to provide useful information about the Creek Fire. Would appreciate any coffee to listen to the scanner later into the night 🙂 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rs44

Video coming up 168. So many trees destroyed.

8:05a: No major updates overnight, @CAFireScanner mentioned little activity on the scanners. 163,000 acres, 0% containment. Not expecting total containment until October 15.

Pine Ridge Elementary School still stands despite the fire raging around it a couple days ago.

Here’s the fire outside North Fork, currently away from structures.

https://twitter.com/SafeAtThird69/status/1303709619131305984

Reporter driving up to Shaver Lake this morning.

Stunning image from rescue missions two nights ago.

September 8

9:20p: It will take generations for the forest to recover from a fire of this high intensity.

8:30p: Fire officially 160,000+ acres, 0% containment. Winds have generated spot fires as far as 10 miles away. At least 30,000 people have evacuated. 365 structures have been damaged.

Some structures have been damaged at the China Peak ski resort, but full destruction not yet known.

Crowning around China Peak will further decimate the forrest and risk uncontrolled spread.

150 acre spot fire 10 miles away near the Courtright Reservoir, likely tied to the Creek Fire. No further updates on its growth.

4:30p: 30mph wind gusts expected tonight at Shaver Lake. Gusts up to 50mph around the Creek Fire.

Meanwhile, the battle for China Peak continues after the fire ran east.

Thanks for reading! Hoping to provide useful information about the Creek Fire. Would appreciate any coffee to listen to the scanner later into the night 🙂 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rs44

3:50p PDT, Sept 8

There are no spare crews, and that might cause structure loss at China Peak. Thirty minutes ago, they could provide no backup despite the fire moving east to the ski resort. Now, at least, a strike team on their way, though it might be too late with structures in flames and a propane tank venting.

3:35p PDT, Sept 8

Quick update on the earlier supply drop at China Peak.

Thanks for reading! Hoping to provide useful information about the Creek Fire. Would appreciate any coffee to listen to the scanner later into the night 🙂 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rs44

3:00p PDT, Sept 8

No fire update right now.

Here’s a video from a couple of days ago showing the Creek Fire plume collapse. The fire had generated a pyrocumulonimbus smoke cloud up to 50,000 feet. That monstrosity created its own weather patterns, including thunder heard at Huntington Lake and even some lightning strikes.

When that plume collapsed, it sent a massive amount of air downwards and then out, creating wind and extreme fire behavior. It’s the fire-created down burst, basically, that propels flames beyond the existing perimeter. This collapse further helped the Creek Fire grow.

2:30p PDT, Sept 8

Bad visibility limiting air attacks on the fire.

Some images from the Shaver Lake area, all depressing.

12:40p PDT, Sept 8

Fresno Bee reporter Carmen George tweets that despite melted playgrounds, Pine Ridge School still stands.

Thanks for reading! Hoping to provide useful information about the Creek Fire. Would appreciate any coffee to listen to the scanner later into the night 🙂 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rs44

12:30p PDT, Sept 8

From Governor Gavin Newsom’s press conference, the California National Guard rescued 164 people this morning. 17+ still waiting.

11a PDT, Sept 8

From scanner: Rescue operation at Edison Lake almost complete; “last load” leaving shortly, ~10 minutes!

Cancelling air drop of fuel to China Peak, instead bringing by road.

Thanks for reading! Hoping to provide useful information about the Creek Fire. Would appreciate any coffee to listen to the scanner later into the night 🙂 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rs44

10:30a PDT, Sept 8

Video of what remains of Cressman’s.

In happier news, here’s a video of buildings standing at Shaver Lake.

10:00a PDT, Sept 8

Another view of Cressman’s general store and gas station, a mainstay on 168 since 1904.

9:40a PDT, Sept 8

Reinforcements coming to help Huntington Lake structure group.

Another California National Guard rescue brought back 10+ people. Lighter smoke conditions at China Peak and probably Lake Edison, too, helping.

9:00a PDT, Sept 8

Firefighters currently defending houses on Huntington Lake, but requesting additional support to fend off the fire. “This will be it later today.”

In some more good news, another National Guard rescue operation brought back 40+ people! That brings the total number rescued this morning up to 100.

8:55a PDT, Sept 8

Fire is now nearly 144,000 acres, still with 0% containment. Maps show it pushing south/southeast overnight. 65 structures destroyed, 5,300 under threat.

Parking lot at China Peak currently “looks good” for bringing in cargo. Seems the shifting wind has cleared some smoke from the area, but as the firefighter noted, conditions change quickly.

Satellite showing the fire in Blue Canyon, where it attacked last night. Burrough Valley still looks (unofficially) fire free, but it’s very close. Tollhouse schools at risk, too.

Thanks for reading! Hoping to provide useful information about the Creek Fire. Would appreciate any coffee to listen to the scanner later into the night 🙂 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rs44

8:10a PDT, Sept 8

Good news from overnight: After halting rescue operations for a few hours because of conditions, those stranded reported seeing stars, prompting new recon and three overnight rescue missions that rescued

-3 people from China Peak at 3:16a

-11 from Lake Edison at 4:44a

-11 people from Lake Edison at 5:42a

No word on how many remain stranded.

Now for the bad news. Cressman’s General Store, open since 1904, burned overnight as the fire established itself south of 168.

Thanks for reading! Hoping to provide useful information about the Creek Fire. Would appreciate any coffee to listen to the scanner later into the night 🙂 https://www.buymeacoffee.com/rs44

12:30a PDT, Sept 8

Signing off for the night. Winds look to be picking up a bit, still to the south. In the next 9 hours, forecast to shift a little to the west and rise to ~30mph in Tollhouse and ~40mph at Shaver Lake.

creek fire updates

12:05a PDT, Sept 8

New from KCBS reporter Kathy Novak: Rescue operations for those stranded suspended until morning.

12:00a PDT, Sept 8

65 structures have burned so far and another 5,000 are threatened. Auberry and Prather under evacuation advisements.

10:45p PDT, Sept 7

From scanners: Fire moving into Blue Canyon; firefighters verifying evacuation in the Burrough Valley and Sycamore Road. If you’re there, the fire is moving southeast fast – get out. Heed all evacuation orders.

10:25p PDT, Sept 7

Per scanners, the Creek Fire has jumped Highway 168 near Tollhouse and Cressman Roads and is trying to get established. Earlier mapping showed it on the highway (the polygons are roughly 1 square mile, so error involved there).

9:15p PDT, Sept 7

The fire sure looks bigger than 135,000 acres. Southerly winds have pushed the fire downslope and closer to more populated areas. From satellite detection and local media, it seems Huntington Lake is now surrounded and Shaver Lake might be, soon. There seem to be flares further down on 168 (note: This is all from fire overlays on CalTopo. Some might be controlled backburns; mapping could also be off).

creek fire

Meanwhile, news blazes popped up today in Oregon and Washington. One in WA has run some 90 kilometers in a single day.

9:00p PDT, Sept 7

The fire is now officially 135,000 acres, a size satellite mapping showed it reaching yesterday. Still 0% containment.

Good news: The town of Shaver Lake still stands (as of 5:30p) after firefighters fought flames through an intense night and day of shifting winds.

Bad news: 50 people remain stranded in three locations at China Peak and Lake Edison. A Chinook rescue attempt aborted after being unable to land amid heavy smoke. They will soon make another try with night vision.

This is the second military-assisted rescue mission in 48 hours, an event whose rarity Daniel Swain points out.

Worse news: The Creek Fire has its first confirmed fatality.

10:15p PDT, Sept 6

Last update for the night, and it’s a good one: Per scanners, no reported structure damage in the town of Shaver Lake. Videos of fires on the side of the road are back fires to keep the town safe.

8:45p PDT, Sept 6

Temperatures potentially slightly cooler tomorrow, but there’s a Red Flag warning in the area 2p-11p because of an offshore wind event. Consistent wind 10-15mph with gusts past 25mph. Those hot and incredibly dry winds means potentially extreme fire behavior and rapid growth. At 0% containment, hard to see how we don’t get another day of explosive rate of spread.

8:35p PDT, Sept 6

Just for comparison on how quickly this fire has grown, here are the day 1 and 2 acreage numbers compared to the Rim Fire, which ultimately burned around 250,000 acres. (Don’t read into this as the Creek Fire finishing exponentially larger; just an interesting comparison on initial sizes.)

Total AcresCreek FireRim Fire
Day 1          36,000               200
Day 2          73,000               250

8:15p PDT, Sept 6

Earlier today, Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig said firefighters very nearly controlled the Creek Fire before it exploded. According to the Fresno Bee, Magsig said “When it was first discovered it was only 3 acres. Aircraft were deployed to knock the fire down. They thought they had it pretty well handled. It was knocked down to less than an acre. But within a matter of really just a handful of minutes the fire exploded and was up to 300 acres.”

Incredibly depressing to think of what could have been and almost was.

Meanwhile, satellite mapping and GOES 17 live fire detection puts the blaze around 160,000 acres. The experimental GOES 17 feature overlaid on CalTopo maps shows the fire in the town of Shaver Lake.

No official word on the town or confirmation from folks in the area. The GOES 17 feature is experimental and each polygon represents a mile or so in area. Hopefully it’s off and the fire hasn’t descended on neighborhoods.

Officials peg the fire at 73,000 acres and 0% containment.

4:30 PDT, Sept 6

New evacuation warnings in Madera County.

3:45p PDT, Sept 6

New evacuation orders from the Fresno County Sheriff’s office, reflecting the continued activity on the fire’s southern flank.

3:15p PDT, Sept 6

Visual confirmation that the Creek Fire is in Shaver Lake. Smoke has covered the lake; flames lick its edges and burn to tree crowns.

The town is at the southern end of the lake – really, an artificial reservoir. Fire isn’t there yet, but is clearly on the move.

Brave videos and reporting.

2:45p PDT, Sept 6

Earlier today, the Creek Fire officially measured 45,500 acres. Fire activity as measured through satellite activity and mapped as a layer on CalTopo shows it closer to 150,000.

The maps shows it burning on Huntington Lake’s western end, north through parts of the Kaiser Wilderness and into Madera County, west past the San Joaquin River (which it jumped yesterday) to near Bass Lake, and south to the shores of Shaver Lake.

Zooming in there, satellites show the fire creeping towards the town.

Twitter users there report the fire at the Shaver Lake dam, moving slowly southward with crews working to douse any embers.

2:15p PDT, September 6

Currently, there are mandatory evacuations in place for: Shaver Lake down to Cressman, Big Creek, Huntington Lake, Camp Sierra, Florence Lake, Ward Lake, Portal Forebay, Edison Lake Mono Hot Springs, Kaiser & all campgrounds, and Cascadel Woods.

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office has issued evacuation warnings for Cressman Road, Auberry Road from the top of the four lanes to Powerhouse to the San Joaquin River. Jose Basin, Alder Spring, Mono Wind Casino, Meadow Lakes and Mile High.

Highway 168 is closed 2.7 miles east of Prathers. There is no visitor access to the Shaver Lake area.

Yosemite National Park has issue a fire advisory south of Chinquapin, including Wawona. The Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias will close September 6 at 6p PDT.

Creek Fire Background

The Creek Fire started around 6p PDT on September 4 and within 24 hours had burned through 36,000 acres in Sierra National Forest. As of 1p PDT on September 6, that fire has torched nearly 46,000 acres and has 800 personnel working on the extreme blaze with 0% containment.

With California experiencing another severe heat wave, day time temperatures around the fire will be 90-95 degrees with very low humidity. Another day of explosive growth is likely.

Starting Monday, the season’s first offshore wind event – with Mono Winds bringing gusts well past 50mph – will further risk spread.

Evacuations and Road Closures. Mandatory Evacuations in place for the communities of Big Creek, Huntington Lake and Cascadel Woods. Hwy 168 is closed 2.7 miles east of Prather below the four lanes. Visitors are advised that there is no access to the Shaver Lake area.