Garnet Fire Update: Containment Reaches 71%

FRESNO COUNTY, CA – The Garnet Fire showed minimal growth overnight, remaining largely within its current footprint. Evacuation orders have been changed for the southern border of the fire, reduced from mandatory to warning. Today the crews will focus on strengthening and improving the containment lines on the north-northwest side.

The following update was provided by the USFS:

Location: Sierra National Forest, Fresno County

Acres Burned: 59,531

Containment: 71%

Start Date: August 24, 2025

Cause: Lightning

Residents Evacuated: 108

Structures Threatened: 300

Structures Destroyed: 0
Incident Website: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/casnf-garnet-fire

Public Information: (559) 490-7329

News Media: (559) 490-7333

Hours: 8:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m.

Email: 2025.garnet.ca@firenet.gov

Personnel: 2,863

Injuries: 11

Hand Crews: 58

Dozers: 22

Engines: 168

Water Tenders: 79

Garnet Fire officials will host a virtual community meeting tonight at 5:30 PM to provide an update on the current situation and address questions. It will be broadcast on Sierra National Forest Incident Management YouTube @SierraNF-Incidents and Sierra National Forest Facebook. Please send any questions you would like discussed at the meeting to 2025.garnet.ca@firenet.gov ahead of time.

Minimal fire activity was observed last night, and the fire stayed within its footprint. Crews were actively engaged in mop-up efforts, searching for any remaining hotspots or burning materials along the perimeter of the fire.

Today, the focus is on strengthening and improving the containment lines on the north-northwest side. Firefighters will be removing equipment and hoses from the fire line in preparation for fire suppression repair. Resource advisors are also evaluating areas affected by suppression activities. This work is essential for stabilizing the soil, protecting water quality, and safeguarding cultural and natural resources.

Weather:

Cool and smoky conditions were observed across the fire overnight. Moisture recovery was good to excellent, with morning relative humidities ranging from 45% to 85%. Warmer-than-normal temperatures and dry conditions are expected this week.

Air Quality:

Smoke from the Garnet Fire continues to affect areas in the direct vicinity of the fire. Smoke will continue to settle in drainages near the fire during evening and early morning hours.  You can check your local air quality at: airnow.gov/.

Fresno County Sheriff’s deputies and Garnet fire officials elected to remove evacuation warnings previously placed on Zones K41, K61B, and K76. Additionally, Zones K40, K61A, and K166, which were under evacuation orders, were reduced to evacuation warnings.  These zones encompass the southwestern side of the fire.

Previously activated Zones K27, K29, K30, and K31 remain under an evacuation order. Previously activated Zones K26, K60, and K165 remain under an evacuation warning.

Full updates on the fire and evacuation maps are available from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. The evacuation map is an interactive tool that allows residents to search by their physical address, general location, or evacuation zone.

The Sierra National Forest updated the Forest Closure in response to the full suppression effort on the Garnet Fire. The partial closure order was coordinated with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, along with multiple local, state, and federal agency cooperators, to identify the minimum area necessary for the safety of firefighting resources and forest visitors.  For a copy of the closure and map, please visit the Sierra National Forest website at: Sierra National Forest | Garnet Fire Closure Order | Forest Service