Single Publication

Basin Fire Update

Monday, July 1, 2024

Fire Information: 559-468-6809, 8 A.M. to 8 P.M. 

Email: 2024.basin@firenet.gov 

Facebook: @SierraNF

PEOPLE AND EQUIPMENT: 879 personnel, 23 crews, 51 engines & 7 helicopters. 

CURRENT SITUATION: The Basin Fire northeast of Fresno is currently at 12,631 acres and 0% containment. The fire is burning primarily in dry, dense grass within the Rough Fire scar from 2015. 

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. 

While the weather today is expected to follow the same trend as the last several days with highs of 87-93, a heat wave is expected tomorrow, bringing hotter temperatures and lower relative humidities throughout the week. An excessive heat warning will be in effect Tuesday through Monday.

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 is a mandatory evacuation order for Fresno County zones K29, K30, K31 and K40. Evacuation warnings are in effect for zones K41, K61, K166, and K76. Please check the Fresno County Evacuation map:

https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=e7d6006a016a444db8b210ac4d2eb5cf

FOREST CLOSURE and FIRE RESTRICTIONS for the Basin Fire: To ensure the safety of the public and our firefighters, The Sierra National Forest has issued a Temporary Partial 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. Sierra National Forest has also implemented new temporary fire restrictions prohibiting campfires, welding, and smoking in non-developed campsites. Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/sierra for more information or call the Sierra National Forest (559) 297-0706 during business hours for questions.

FOREST VISITORS:  This Forest Closure may affect YOU.  The following campgrounds are CLOSED due to this fire:  Bear Wallow Campground, Black Rock Campground, Gravel Flat Group Campground, Kirch Flat Campground, Kirch Flat Group Campground, Oak Flat Campground, Ross Crossing Campground, Sawmill Flat Campground.    Please check the Sierra National Forest webpage address listed above for the map of the closure area.  Roads and trails in this area are closed.

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. 

AIR QUALITY is being impacted by Basin Fire smoke.  Please check the air quality for your destination at www.airnow.gov.  Today’s Smoke Outlook is attached.