PEOPLE AND EQUIPMENT: 872 personnel, 16 crews, 39 engines, 8 helicopters, and 15 dozers
CURRENT SITUATION: The Basin Fire remains at 14,020 acres, with no increase in acreage, and containment has increased to 80%. Temperatures reached 112 degrees yesterday, with the relative humidity down to 16%. As this record-breaking heat wave continues, the vegetation becomes drier and the cumulative effects of heat stress makes firefighting more difficult. Today is expected to be slightly cooler.
As work is completed, resources are being released to assist with other wildfires or return home to rest and be ready for the next wildfire assignment. Equipment and personnel are focusing on suppression repair, looking for heat, reinforcing fire lines, and removing hose and equipment that are no longer needed. One division is available to respond to any new fires that are detected. The spike camps are being removed, as they are no longer needed.
Northern perimeter: Crews gridded an area near Dinkey Creek on the west side of the north tip of the fire, looking for hotspots. Aircraft are being used near a portion of Dinkey Creek that is inaccessible, on the east side of the north tip of the fire. Helicopter buckets of water were used to cool the heat. Yesterday some interior pockets of unburned fuel inside of the perimeter of the fire flared up near Bear Wallow and these are being monitored and secured.
Suppression Repair: Firefighters and equipment are repairing the damage caused by the suppression of the fire. Water bars are being constructed to reduce erosion. Dozers are repairing the contingency lines to return them to as natural a state as is practical. The goal of suppression repair is to leave the area better than you found it, and to leave no trace of suppression actions as much as possible.
An EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING is in effect through July 13th, with very high day time and nighttime temperatures. Temperatures are forecast to reach as high as 108 degrees today, with relative humidity 15 to 20%. Winds are forecast to remain low, from the west at 6 to 9 mph, with gusts to 15 mph. The National Weather Service has reported that “A heat wave this intense, this long, has set record temperatures throughout the San Joaquin.” Some air conditioned tents and fans have been set up to help firefighters endure the intense heat.
The Basin Fire started on June 26th and the cause is currently under investigation. Currently, the fire is burning at 2000-4500 elevation, northeast of Pine Flat Lake, west of the Spanish Mountain, south of Black Rock Rd (11S012) and north of the South Fork of the Kings River.
Fresno County EVACUATION ZONES: The mandatory evacuation order remains in place only for Fresno County zones K30 and K40. Evacuation warnings remain in effect for zones K29, K31, K41, and K166. Check the Fresno County Evacuation map for information about the evacuation levels, and safety information about returning to your home after a fire.
https://www.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewe ... ac4d2eb5cf
The Sierra National Forest has updated three Forest Orders that supersede previous orders issued in late June 2024. These revised orders are intended to ensure public safety and allow for the continued enjoyment of public lands while effectively managing ongoing fire activities. Visit
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sierra/alerts-noticesfor full details of the updated fire restrictions and Forest Orders.
Closures: Road closure signs have been placed on the perimeter of the fire. The public should review which roads are closed before traveling into the area because no one will be allowed to enter zones under evacuation warnings. To access websites showing both evacuation orders, road closures and many other emergency resources, visit:
http://www.fresnocountyemergency.com
Smoke - Visit AirNow to find out the Air Quality Index in your area. As smoke gets worse, the amount of particles in the air changes - and so do the steps you should take to protect yourself. AirNow recommends precautions you can take to protect your health when air pollution gets bad.