Significant progress made by firefighters at Goose Fire near Prather

TOLLHOUSE, Calif. (KFSN) -- Significant steps were made in the Goose Fire near Prather as containment jumps to 70-percent. All residents have been allowed to return home. but we're told a total of four homes were destroyed.

Bridget Fithian is showed us how lucky the conservancy is at its preserve at the top of Black Mountain. A couple buildings were spared, along with a house they rent out to a local family.

"When we actually got access yesterday to go up, we were so surprised to see that the fire had come right up to the edges of the structures, but not burned them."

The land itself is a different story-- the fire burned through about half of their 1,400 acres. Making it the conservancy's biggest fire from Yosemite down to Kings Canyon. Despite how catastrophic it was, Fithian said it can be a good thing.

"It's actually a natural system and a natural function of the Sierra to have fire come through and thin out areas like Black Mountain and it stimulates growth."

So despite some concern for erosion, the fire will most likely be beneficial for the preserve, which saves land for rare plants, wildlife, and other resources.

Down the hill, some residents weren't so lucky, but officials said it could have been a lot worse.

"Because of the quick actions, not only from the local firefighters, but as a team in California having a lot of resources come in. And also the residences-- they were able to help us out, have good brush clearance, they were also vigilant," said Mike Yeun, Goose Fire PIO.

That's why many are still showing thanks like one former firefighter who brought up snacks with her son.

"I remember the life and I just want to pay it forward, while I have the time," said Nila Dixon-Begrin, Fresno.

Most of the flames are gone, but you can see a bit of smoke here and there. So many crews are shifting into the cleanup stage, getting any debris out of the way for the people who live here.