Garnet Fire chars 9,100+ acres causing partial closure of the Sierra National Forest, 0% contained

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- As the Garnet Fire burns out of control in the Sierra National Forest, scorching more than 9,100 acres east of Pine Flat Lake, Fresno County officials have declared a local emergency.

County Administrative Officer Paul Nerland issued the emergency proclamation on Tuesday. The Board of Supervisors must ratify it within seven days. A limited Emergency Operations Center is active, coordinating with CAL FIRE, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Fresno County Sheriff's Office.

Fire activity intensified on Wednesday, creating a massive pyrocumulus cloud visible for miles. Fire officials say crews have made progress on the west side of the fire, near PG&E infrastructure.

RELATED: Evacuation orders issued as Garnet Fire in Fresno County explodes in size

Crews are focusing on the fire's west side and PG&E's hydroelectric facilities at Balch Camp, while working to hold the line along the Kings River. Protecting the McKinley Grove of giant sequoias is also a priority.

"It's pretty well prepped, but it is an old-growth forest, so it is a value at risk that we're concerned about," Freeman said.

More than 1,000 firefighters are on scene, supported by CAL FIRE aircraft that have been reloading retardant and fuel at the Fresno Yosemite International Airport.

Garnet Fire updates from CAL FIRE

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Smoke continues to blanket the forest ahead of the busy holiday weekend.

"We have a lot of people who want to be recreating out in this country. These are our public lands, so we want to make this footprint as small as possible so we can get people out recreating," Freeman said.

The fire has prompted a partial forest closure and roadblocks, including access to Wishon Village. The campground evacuated guests on Tuesday and closed to the public.

"The fire is not threatening our campground by any means," said Wishon Village owner Kris Oneida. "The road closure is for personnel, vehicles and equipment so fire crews can travel safely up this direction to fight the fire that's accessible from up here."

Wishon Village is refunding or rebooking impacted guests. The U.S. Forest Service urges visitors to check its website for updated closures before heading out.

Officials say they appreciate the public's patience as crews work to contain the fire and reopen the area.

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