100 firefighters battle brush fire near Pine Flat Lake, residents evacuated

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- In the sky and on foot, about 100 firefighters and several agencies worked through the night to contain the Hog Fire burning in Fresno County near Pine Flat Lake.

The blaze erupted just before three on Friday afternoon and some residents in the area had to be evacuated.

As of Friday 11 pm, the fire had burned approximately 500 acres and is 10% contained.

Winds and gusts quickly pushed flames across the hillside off Trimmer Springs road, the weather making for hazardous conditions.

It was on that road that authorities say neighbors reported a driver riding on a rim after getting a flat tire.

Out of precaution, about a handful of residents had to be evacuated from the area - including Jeanne Villar.

"There was a firefighter and he told me, basically there is a fire on the top of your hill. You need to get out. You have 30 minutes," said Villar. "You need to get out, you have 30 minutes, so try to grab whatever you can, your kids, your pets and leave."

As Villar grabbed her two children, fire retardant fell from the sky hitting her teacup Yorkie Bella, her home, and all over her car.

The fire got dangerously close to her house, but luckily investigators say none were damaged.

Officials named the fire the Hog Fire because of its close proximity to Hog Mountain Fire Road.

Incident commander Brian Vasquez said this blaze is a preview of what they expect to see in the coming summer months.

"They're calling for just as bad of a fire season we have had over the last couple of years."

While the cause is still under investigation, detectives are talking to the driver about the mechanical mishap for clues about the cause of the fire.