Garnet Fire continues to burn as 2,200 firefighters work to contain the blaze

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Garnet Fire has burned through almost 55,000 acres and is 14% contained at this hour.

16 days of continuous firefighting and counting, firefighters battling the Garnet Fire in the Sierra National Forest have been working around the clock to increase containment.

"On the Eastern Flank of the fire we have prepped contingency lines and containment lines here, for the last week we have been bringing out resources both heavy equipment as well as snagging, so with chainsaws and moving fuels in that area and prepping it," explains Sam Wu, a Mechanical Engineer with the U.S. Forest Service.

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The fire has scorched forest land, structures have been threatened and locals have had to evacuate.

Among the main concerns is protecting the valley's energy supply.

"We've had multiple values at risk of this fire. For example, here at Balch Camp and here at the reservoir we have a lot of fiber electric activity and in this area this forest produces a lot of the power the central valley relies on," explains Sam.

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The topography-driven fire, dead fuels, rigid terrain, heat and potential thunderstorms later this week, posing a threat to the ongoing battle.

While over 2,200 firefighters are working to protect people and property- there are also additional resources they are relying on to put out the flames.

"We had 4 helicopters available to us for night flying, so they are equipped with night vision and hoist capability, should a firefighter be injured or something else," mentions Sam.

While firefighting continues, the US Forest Service urges people to keep an eye on the air quality and for those living nearby stay ready in case evacuation orders are put in place.

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