Fast-growing wildfire traps campers at reservoir in central California
By
Renee Duff, AccuWeather senior meteorologist
Published Sep 6, 2020 5:03 AM EST
Officials told those at the Mammoth Pool Reservoir to shelter in place and jump in the water if necessary as the Creek Fire exploded in size in the Sierra National Forest late Saturday. The reservoir is located about 90 miles northeast of Fresno, California.
More than 200 people were airlifted to safety early Sunday after a fast-moving wildfire blocked the only road out of a popular camping area in California’s Sierra National Forest, the Madera County Sheriff's Office said.
The view from a Cal Guard Chinook helicopter Saturday night rescuing people trapped after the Creek Fire in central California left them stranded. (California National Guard via AP)
Military helicopters were used to rescue those trapped by the flames and transfer them to hospitals in Fresno.
The Fresno Fire Department stated that out of 63 people who had been rescued on Saturday night, 12 patients suffered severe to moderate injuries. The remaining 51 patients had minor or no injuries.
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The Creek Fire is burning near the San Joaquin River and the communities of Big Creek and Huntington Lake, according to Inciweb.
Around 450 personnel have been assigned to battle the blaze, which has charred more than 73,000 acres after igniting on Friday evening. The fire is 0% contained as of Sunday night, and the cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
"Visitors are advised that there is no access to the Shaver Lake area," according to the fire incident overview on Inciweb.
Mandatory evacuations are in place for the communities of Big Creek, Huntington Lake and Cascadel Woods, and a portion of Highway 168 has been shut down.
"Crews [were] challenged [Saturday] by steep rugged terrain, heavy fuel loading and high temperatures," according to Inciweb.
Record-challenging heat is likely to continue to challenge firefighting efforts early this week, with temperatures soaring into the 100s F across California's Central Valley and 80s and 90s in the higher terrain of the Sierra Nevada.
Forecasters warn that high winds will also be added to the mix early this week and could create a firestorm of activity across California and the balance of the Pacific Coast.
Keep checking back on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios.
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News / Severe Weather
Fast-growing wildfire traps campers at reservoir in central California
By Renee Duff, AccuWeather senior meteorologist
Published Sep 6, 2020 5:03 AM EST
Officials told those at the Mammoth Pool Reservoir to shelter in place and jump in the water if necessary as the Creek Fire exploded in size in the Sierra National Forest late Saturday. The reservoir is located about 90 miles northeast of Fresno, California.
More than 200 people were airlifted to safety early Sunday after a fast-moving wildfire blocked the only road out of a popular camping area in California’s Sierra National Forest, the Madera County Sheriff's Office said.
The view from a Cal Guard Chinook helicopter Saturday night rescuing people trapped after the Creek Fire in central California left them stranded. (California National Guard via AP)
Military helicopters were used to rescue those trapped by the flames and transfer them to hospitals in Fresno.
The Fresno Fire Department stated that out of 63 people who had been rescued on Saturday night, 12 patients suffered severe to moderate injuries. The remaining 51 patients had minor or no injuries.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP
The Creek Fire is burning near the San Joaquin River and the communities of Big Creek and Huntington Lake, according to Inciweb.
Around 450 personnel have been assigned to battle the blaze, which has charred more than 73,000 acres after igniting on Friday evening. The fire is 0% contained as of Sunday night, and the cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
"Visitors are advised that there is no access to the Shaver Lake area," according to the fire incident overview on Inciweb.
Mandatory evacuations are in place for the communities of Big Creek, Huntington Lake and Cascadel Woods, and a portion of Highway 168 has been shut down.
"Crews [were] challenged [Saturday] by steep rugged terrain, heavy fuel loading and high temperatures," according to Inciweb.
Record-challenging heat is likely to continue to challenge firefighting efforts early this week, with temperatures soaring into the 100s F across California's Central Valley and 80s and 90s in the higher terrain of the Sierra Nevada.
Forecasters warn that high winds will also be added to the mix early this week and could create a firestorm of activity across California and the balance of the Pacific Coast.
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Keep checking back on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios.
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