Single Publication

Sierra National Forest                                 

Basin Fire Update         

Thursday, July 4, 2024                       

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

Media Information: 559-492.9967 

Email: 2024.basin@firenet.gov

Facebook: @SierraNF

PEOPLE AND EQUIPMENT:  1340 personnel, 28 crews, 93 engines & 13 helicopters.

CURRENT SITUATION: The Basin Fire is at 13,979 acres. Containment has increased to 46%.  Although the heat wave is continuing, the good news is that winds continue to be relatively light and are not substantially affecting the fire.

• Eastern perimeter:  The eastern side of the fire has been staying 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.

• 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:  Crews will be working in the area north of Rodgers Ridge to build fire-line.  This area is very steep and difficult to access.  The adjacent brush is beginning to dry out with the long heat wave and fire and may be more susceptible to ignition. Several contingency lines are being built with dozers, masticators and feller bunchers north of the current fire perimeter to halt the fire should it move north.

An EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING over the next 6 days will affect the fire with hotter temperatures and drier vegetation. Temperatures within the 90s and low 100s are expected across the fire today, with minimum humidity of 18-22%. Low winds expected with gusts up to 9 mph. 

The Basin Fire started on June 26, 2024 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.

Updates are posted on Inciweb https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/casnf-basin-fire.

EVACUATIONS: The mandatory evacuation order remains in place for Fresno County zones K29, K30, K31, K40, K41 & K166. Evacuation warnings are in effect for zones K61 & K76. Check the Fresno County Evacuation map:

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

 FIRE FATIGUE:  This area's history of stressful wildfires means that some community members are experiencing worry, anxiety, "disaster fatigue," and other reactions that are normal responses to these abnormal events. Fresno County Behavioral Health has resources available at https://www.fresnocountyca.gov/Departments/Behavioral-Health/Care-Services/Disaster-Fatigue.

 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 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 Fire 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. 

•Check https://www.fs.usda.gov/sierra for the Forest closure area map. Roads & trails in this area are CLOSED.

• This is NOT a good year for a campfire outside of any of the open campgrounds.  Please see the message above to contact the Sierra

•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 available.

•  Fireworks are NOT permitted on Federal land

•  Camp safely and keep hydrated this holiday week!

•  Happy 4th of July!