Madera County – Sept. 16, 2020 – Fire activity was mostly limited to the higher elevations in the northeast corner yesterday. Ridge-top winds caused large group torching and spotting up to a half mile.
The containment line between the San Joaquin river and Cascadel Woods is holding with low intensity ground fire burning inside the line without posing a threat.
Today, fire crews will work along the west and northwest area in the vicinity of Beasore Road to continue improving perimeter lines. Active fire behavior is expected today as the inversion over the fire has been slowly breaking down over the last two days.
A wind event is expected for the higher elevations near the crest and east of the crest where a Fire Weather Watch will be in effect Thursday afternoon through Friday. Southwest wind gusts could reach 50 mph above 7500 feet on the northeast side late Thursday into Friday. The rest of the fire area will see lighter winds gusting to 25 mph.
The re-population of evacuation areas has increased over the past two days due to the cooperation between fire managers and utility companies. To view the interactive evacuation map of both Madera and Fresno Counties open the following link: Evacuation Map
The damage assessment team is approximately 55% complete with 9,934 structures still threatened, 650 destroyed and 52 damaged. To view the interactive damage assessment map of both Madera and Fresno Counties open the following link: Damage Assessment Map
The Creek Fire has a total personnel of 2,878 with 281 engines, 65 water tenders, 18 helicopters, 42 hand crews and 76 dozers. To view the Cal Fire incident map open the following link: Creek Fire Incident Map
