Garnet and Dillon fires grow rapidly, prompting fresh evacuations in Fresno and Siskiyou counties, California
The Garnet and Dillon wildfires have grown rapidly over the past 3 days, burning through more than 4 000 ha (10 000 acres) of land in Fresno and Siskiyou counties as of August 27, 2025.
Garnett fire in Fresno County, California on August 26, 2025. Credit: Alert California
The Garnet Fire started at approximately 14:00 LT on August 24, in Sierra National Forest, Fresno County, California. According to Cal Fire, the blaze has burned 3 706 ha (9 159 acres) and stands at 0% containment as of August 26.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office has ordered evacuations in the mountainous area northeast of the city, closest to the flames. Evacuation orders are in place for zones K27, K30, K31, K32, and K40, with warnings issued for zones K28 and K29.
The blaze threatens the remote community of Balch Camp and hydroelectric facilities along the Kings River. Weather conditions remain conducive to fire activity and Red-flag warnings remain in effect.
#GarnetFire I haven't posted on this fire but wanted to share this to show the extreme fire behaviour that took place when the column collapsed. Follow @DanielFireTruck for updates on the fire. @Sierra_NF pic.twitter.com/h9OG33ek3T
— Dave Toussaint (@engineco16) August 25, 2025
Avocado Lake Park, a popular recreation destination, has been closed and is being used as a staging area, according to forest officials.
The fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain about 97 km (60 miles) east of Fresno, hindering access and construction of containment lines.
The #GarnetFire was sparked yesterday in Fresno County, CA in the Sierra National Forest. The fire has already scorched almost 4,500 acres with 0% containment.#CAwx pic.twitter.com/qPYfO77cbD
— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) August 26, 2025
Sierra National Forest officials said the steep terrain has prevented firefighters from using bulldozers to create containment lines around the fire, complicating the task. More than 150 fire personnel have been assigned, and it is currently burning uncontrolled, according to officials.
A picturesque pyrocumulus coming off a new start in Klamath NF, CA. #DillonFire pic.twitter.com/z4sDBWVuN9
— Lexy (@JadeoradeWx) August 26, 2025
The Dillon Fire ignited on August 25 near Ti Bar, north of Somes Bar, in Siskiyou County’s Six Rivers National Forest. The fire has burned 499 ha (1 233 acres) as of August 26, with 0% containment. Evacuation orders are in place along Highway 96.
It was triggered by a lightning storm that produced nearly 2 800 strikes in Siskiyou County on August 24.
The region’s steep terrain and limited access roads complicate suppression efforts. Similar to the Garnet Fire, weather conditions continue to pose the risk of additional ignitions.
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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