Firefighters still mopping up Fresno County wildfire

FRESNO COUNTY (KFSN) -- Firefighters from across the state are up near Tollhouse Tuesday fighting the "Big Fire" that has now spread to 188 acres.

Flames are still burning up hot spots south of Tollhouse as firefighters from across the state monitor the fire for any flare ups.

Hector Hernandez from the US Forest Service was called up from Los Angeles with five other engines.

"When we showed you this morning there still needs to be some lines out in and all we're doing now is making," he explained. "Securing that edge with a wry line and starting to mop up, too."

The wildfire has been burning since around 2:30 p.m. Monday. More than 150 people are on scene there trying to put it out.

"Making sure we secure any on the edge so later in the day as the winds increase and the temperatures increase making sure we didn't skip anything so that when the weather does change we don't have something flaring up in the edge," Hernandez said.

As fire engines fight from the ground, air support had been dropping fire retardant and water.

Firefighters have been able to secure a line around the fire which is burning in steep, hilly terrain covered with dry brush.

"Like all fires when we're in a drought, Stacey Nolan with Cal Fire Fresno County. "Drought conditions, it obviously was burning really badly."

People living in a dozen homes had to evacuate Monday but were allowed back in their homes later in the evening.

The flames completely charred a Fresno County Sheriff's patrol truck.

The deputy had pulled over to help with evacuations but his truck got stuck right in the path of the fire.

The fire is now 60 percent contained.

Crews expect to be out there for the next few days to finish putting out the hot spots.