PRATHER — Though there was limited growth last night on the Goose Fire due to the hard work of the firefighters on the line and favorable weather conditions, today’s hot temperatures and breezy conditions presented new challenges.
The fire grew to 2,020 acres today, and is now 20 percent contained. Firefighters, with the assistance of 12 dozers, continue to built and strengthen firelines.
A lot of firefighter effort is also going toward structure protection, with more than 400 homes threatened.
ABC30 is reporting that three homes have been lost, including the one where the fire reportedly started.
According to Cal Fire, there are currently 1,115 personnel assigned to the incident, including 99 engines, 28 crews, 9 helicopters, 12 dozers, 21 water tenders and 5 air tankers, with resources coming in from all over the state.
Eighteen Fresno County Sheriff’s Office personnel are on scene. They have contacted 229 homes, and evacuated 303 people. Approximately 400 – 600 animals have also been evacuated.
Evacuations:
ORDERS:
- Hwy 168 @ Lockwood to Gooseberry including homes accessed by Gooseberry and Lockwood
- Black Mt. area including Whispering Springs Ln to Lodge Rd
- Everything South of the 4 lanes at Hwy 168 to lodge and everything west of Old Tollhouse Rd
- Gooseberry and Sky Ridge Ln east to Lodge Rd including Black Mountain
Warning:
- Hwy 168 from Lockwood to bottom of the 4 lanes @ Hwy 168 & lodge Rd
- Hwy 168 from Gooseberry Ln to Nicholas
- Nicholas and Tollhouse to Tollhouse and Lodge
- All Roads North of Tollhouse and East of Hwy 168
ROAD CLOSURES
Nicolas and Loper
Hwy 168 & Goosberry
Lockwood & Shady Ln
Loper and Skyridge
Gooseberry & Pennyroyal
Tollhouse & Lodge
Lodge & Hwy 168
EVACUATION CENTERS
Red Cross has setup an evacuation center for people at Foothill Middle School located at 29147 Auberry Road in Prather. This location also has a small animal shelter.
A large animal evacuation center has been setup at Sierra High School 33326 Lodge Road in Tollhouse.
For help with evacuating animals, residents can contact the Central California Animal Disaster Team at 559-433-9663.
The Goose Fire started on Saturday afternoon, and is burning just south of Prather off Gooseberry Lane and Morgan Canyon.
Fire activity and direction can change at any time, and everyone is advised to be prepared and stay informed. Motorists are asked to please drive cautiously while driving near the fire area where heavy equipment and fire engines are traveling to and from the firelines.
With the elevated fire danger, everyone should use extreme caution and be prepared — remember “Ready, Set, Go.” For more information on how to prepare for wildfires, go to www.readyforwildfire.org.
