MADERA COUNTY – Sept. 11, 2020 – Firefighters continue to make gains on the west side of the fire under a thick smoke layer that has settled over the area. Although the smoky air is unpleasant and limiting air operations, it is also providing cooler temperatures, lighter winds, and reduced fire activity, giving firefighters an opportunity to conduct successful operations.
The smoke is expected to persist at least another day. Dozers and hand crews are continuing to build containment lines northward. Last night’s back-burning operations were successful from TerraTerra north to Cascadel Woods.
Firefighers are also working on building containment lines and structure protection in North Fork/South Fork area and Central
Camp. Containment lines are capitalizing upon old dozer lines, roads, and natural fire breaks, such as rocky outcrops and open areas.
While conditions are expected to remain favorable today for suppression efforts, the fire still has substantial potential for rapid growth when the inversion lifts.
The Madera County Sheriff continues to enforce evacuation notices and maintain road closures to protect the public.
Fresno County: Firefighters on the South Zone of the Creek Fire are building on a successful shift yesterday. Dozer operators and hand crews have now tied containment lines into the San Joaquin River. The San Joaquin River divides the north and south zones of the fire. This line will join with the containment line from the North Zone.
Crews also worked to secure areas around structures in the areas of Auberry, Shaver Lake, Hudson Lake and Huntington Lake.
On the east side of the fire today crews will focus on perimeter control and constructing a preliminary line around several spot fires located southeast of Huntington Lake.
On the southern perimeter dozers are pushing along the ridge north of Burrough Valley Road to tie the containment line into Blue Canyon. This operation is a key component in the effort to protect Shaver Lake. Blue Canyon contains a large amount of dead standing timber and if
fire became established in the area it could run toward the community.
Of the total personnel of 1,643 there are 187 engines, 50 water tenders, 23 helicopters, 28 hand crews, 65 dozers and another 258 support.
