Garnet Fire photo in eastern Fresno County by CalFire

Fresno County has proclaimed a state of emergency due to the impacts of the Garnet Fire burning in the Sierra National Forest east of Pine Flat Lake.

The fire, which is at 0% containment, has burned more than 13,900 acres and is threatening homes and critical power transmission infrastructure in Fresno County. The fire started on Aug. 24 and is still being investigated to determine its origin.

Areas of concern for fire damage including Balch Camp, the Pacific Gas & Electric Co. hydroelectric and residential facilities, two power houses, the Balch communication reflector and more.

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District is warning Valley residents impacted by the smoke to stay indoors to minimize exposure to ozone and particulate matter (PM) emissions. The potential for increased ozone and PM2.5 exists until the fires are extinguished.

The county is operating a limited emergency operations center and working closely with the Sierra National Forest Service, CAL FIRE and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.

The Fresno County Board of Supervisors have scheduled a special meeting Friday, Aug. 29 to ratify the emergency proclamation.

Evacuation orders are now in effect for several zones near Pine Flat Reservoir and Kings Canyon National Park.

McKinley Grove Road remains closed east of Camp Fresno.

Camp Fresno and the Dinkey Creek Campground are in an evacuation warning area. Individuals are advised to stay out of the area.

The U.S. Forest Service has also implemented a partial closure of forest lands in the area.

Hunters and other recreational visitors are encouraged to leave the area as soon as possible.

Approximately 1,000 firefighters are already assigned to the Garnet Fire from across Californai, and more are expected.