Some being let back into homes after fire wildfire near Prather forced evacuations

FRESNO COUNTY (KFSN) -- This is day four of the Goose Fire that's destroyed at least three homes near Prather. On Tuesday, authorities lifted some of the mandatory evacuations west of Black Mountain Road. Firefighters are gaining ground on this fire-- containment jumped to 60-percent and they are even releasing some crews. The fire has so far burned 2,185 acres and has destroyed nine structures.

"Keep calm and thank a firefighter," are words the Gibson family is sharing as they get ready to go back home.

"Me and the kids have just been talking about how awesome it is to have, to be protected and know that while we're sleeping, they're out there working hard and keeping our homes safe," said Leanne Gibson, evacuee.

"It's relieving to be able to go back up. I'm sure the landscape will be a little different, but I still feel blessed cause I have everything still waiting there," said Justin Gibson, evacuee.

We found them at this makeshift fueling station at Sierra Hills Baptist Church where members have been volunteering around the clock making sure firefighters are taken care of.

"For us, to be able to just serve them as much as they're serving us, or try to, that's been the hugest thing for us," said Pastor Andrew Billings, Sierra Hills Baptist Church.

And now that some evacuations have been lifted, the focus will shift to residents in need.

"We're trying to set up meals and stuff for them because some people lost everything. Most homes were without power for four days, three days-- all their food in their refrigerators and freezers is no good," said Pastor Billings.

But the fire is still active, so even those who are allowed back in, aren't in the clear just yet.

"They are currently under evacuation warning still, just in case anything changes in activity. We don't know if a wind event will come in and change everything," said Cathey Mattingly, Cal Fire.

This has some residents frustrated but many are keeping calm putting out a number of posters along 168 expressing their thanks no matter how long it takes.

"It's a tough job out there to get all this done. We love the appreciation. We love that the community is behind us in all this," said Keith Hughes, US Forest Service.

"It's very touching. We know that the residents truly appreciate the efforts and it really gets that message out to our firefighters that they're appreciated," said Mattingly.

Fire crews will still be on the fire line, trying to contain this fire. And although it seems to be easing up, they may still be out here for another couple of days.