NORTH FORK – Crews made excellent progress today on the Fish Fire, burning on the Bass Lake Ranger District of the Sierra National Forest near Fish Creek Campground.
Fire activity today was mostly concentrated on the east flank where crews kept the fire from entering the San Joaquin River drainage. The rate of spread has been described as “low.”
Crew are working to maintain and strengthen firelines and are mopping up 100 feet inside the lines that are well contained.
After more accurate mapping, the acreage burned has been revised to 85 acres and the fire is now 50 percent contained.
Helicopter over Fish Fire – photo Leonard Andrenacci
There are no structures threatened and no injuries to fire personnel have been reported.
There are currently 130 personnel assigned to the incident. The Cal Fire engines and personnel that assisted in the initial attack overnight were released back to their units this morning.
There are no road closures at this time. As a precaution, three campers were evacuated from the nearby Fish Creek Campground and the campground has been closed.
Smoke impact of varying degrees can be expected as the fire continues to burn and may affect the local recreational areas. To help minimize smoke impact and learn about air quality and smoke forecasts, please visit either www.airnow.gov or www.valleyair.org.
The Fish Fire was reported at 4:17 p.m. on Monday, July 15, and is burning entirely inside the perimeter of the 2014 French Fire, within close proximity to the Fish Creek Campground. The fire is burning on the downhill side of Forest Road 4S81 (Mammoth Pool Road/ Minarets Road), above the San Joaquin River.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
