Fire crews on the #GarnetFire made good progress in several areas today, and containment rose to 14%. Smoke remains visible near Patterson Bluff and Dinkey Creek as fuels continue to consume in the fire perimeter. While the fire is backing down the drainage, it has remained on the eastern side of Dinkey Creek.
Firefighters also continued construction on containment lines to use as backup if needed to the west of the fire along the Secata Ridge and up around the north edge of the fire. Helicopters and super scoopers–specialized firefighting aircraft scooping water out of Pine Flat Lake– supported suppression efforts as visibility allowed.
The fire grew slightly north of Indian Rock, but crews are using nearby roads as a barrier and are reinforcing them to prevent growth.
Firefighters are using strategic firing bringing the fire to south of the McKinley Grove Road, while working to improve the road system to use if needed. They continue to improve the protective buffer around the Giant sequoia trees should fire reach the grove.
Crews continue to look for opportunities east and northeast of Sawmill Flat facing steep, dangerous terrain with limited natural features for containment. Fire has moved out of the Black Rock drainage and is now in more accessible terrain for suppression efforts. Crews are attempting to contain the fire on its active edge in the Long Meadow area.
The top priorities remain protecting the McKinley Grove of Giant Sequoias and keeping the fire south of McKinley Grove Road. Firefighters continue efforts in the northeast to protect Wishon Dam. Night aircraft is available for use if needed and if conditions permit
