Crews battling difficult wildfire burning near Pine Flat reservoir

FRESNO COUNTY (KFSN) -- Because of the steep terrain 11 aircrafts were flown in to knock down the flames that have burned about 1500 acres of hillside near Pine Flat Reservoir

"We got real aggressive with aircraft yesterday and they kept it in check and with the lower humilities last night it really helped us, but to fully contain it we need to get boots on the ground," said Joaquin Marquez, Incident Commander.

Hot Shot Crews arrived early Thursday and have helped keep the wildfire from spreading

"Half of the fire is not accessible by roads. It's all hand crew country where Cal Fire and our Hot Shot crews are going after it at this time," said Joaquin Marquez, Incident Commander.

Smoke from the fire is affecting mountainous and foothill communities, but could also have an impact on the Valley floor until the fire is extinguished.

"We have seen particular matter rise on the east side of the Valley. You probably got up this morning and it smelled like somebody was having a campfire outside. That's because that fire followed the mountain side into the Valley this morning.," said Heather Heinks, San Joaquin Valley Air District.