Creek Fire live updates: North Fork, Bass Lake evacuations; fire at 135,523 acres

»» Get the latest updates: New evacuation orders in Prather area; over 143,000 acres burned.

8:15 a.m. Tuesday: Dozens rescued from Creek Fire by military overnight

U.S. Navy and California Army National Guard helicopters rescued dozens of people overnight trapped by the Creek Fire and brought them to safety in Fresno, officials reported. Three flights took place, according to Maj. Jason Sweeney, a spokesman for the California National Guard.

»» Read more here: How it happened

11:15 p.m.: Dozens of homes burned

Sixty-five structures were listed as destroyed in the Creek Fire in an update provided late Monday night by Cal Fire.

While cautioning the information will “remain fluid” as damage inspectors survey the area, the breakdown was as follows:

▪ Single residences: 45 destroyed

▪ Other minor structures: 20 destroyed

The fire size remained unchanged, at 135,523 acres, from a 6 p.m. update.

Cal Fire reminded those affected or interested can sign up for the following alerts:

Fresno County: Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, sign up at https://t.co/Otack9NyKc?amp=1

Madera County: Madera County Emergency Warning Systems, at mcalert.org

8:30 p.m.: Fatality confirmed, unconnected to fire

Fresno Fire Battalion Chief Tony Escobedo, speaking with media Monday night at Fresno Yosemite International Airport, reported one death but a subsequent announcement cast doubt on its connection to the Creek Fire.

Fresno County Sheriff’s spokesman Tony Botti, hours later, said “this has no connection to the Creek Fire whatsoever.”

“Sunday evening, an older gentleman arrived at Vermillion Store, located on Edison Road in Mono Hot Springs,” a Sheriff’s Office statement read. “The man collapsed due a medical episode. Life saving measures were taken, but he ended up passing away.

“Due to fire conditions in the surrounding area, EMS was not able to respond to the location. Plans are being made to fly the body out once conditions allow this to be accomplished.”

Fire crews were at the airport awaiting another attempt by a helicopter to rescue an estimated 50 hikers stuck, apparently at Lake Edison. They are safe, but with a key exit route cut off by the fire.

An earlier attempt was thwarted by heavy smoke. Another flight was expected about 10:30 p.m., pending fire and weather conditions. But it still had not happened as of 11 p.m.

7:50 p.m.: Fire grows to more than 100,000 acres

The Creek Fire had consumed 135,523 acres as of 6 p.m. Monday, it was announced at a joint news conference at Sierra High in Tollhouse.

Heavy structural damage has occurred, though specifics might not be known for days as damage-assessment teams make their way to the affected areas.

State and local firefighters and other emergency workers described an “unprecedented disaster” for Fresno County. And while the area has seen major wildfires before, the Creek Fire is the “most aggressive of any of those ... in a class by itself.”

Two Type 1 incident teams will tackle the blaze going forward, an approach not unprecedented but unusual. They will attack the fire from opposite sides of the San Joaquin River, with one team focusing on Madera County and the other on Fresno County.

»» Sign up for Fresno Bee breaking news updates

5:30 p.m.: Auberry and Bass Lake evacuations

The Madera County Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation orders for Bass Lake shortly before 5:30 p.m, including both sides of the lake. Residences east of Roads 222 and 426 and all residences along those roads will be evacuated.

The sheriff’s office issued an evacuation warning to areas east of Highway 41 in Oakhurst, Coarsegold and O’Neals.

Also around 5:30 p.m., the 100 or so people at Shaver Lake awaiting evacuation also began the caravan drive down the mountain, according to Bee photographer Craig Kohlruss. Authorities reported a few structures in Shaver burned, but the town as a whole remains mostly in tact.

Anna Velasco, longtime owner of Velasco’s Mexican Restaurant in Prather, was among those who evacuated from Auberry earlier Monday. She said she lost electricity at her restaurant around 5 p.m. along with some others in the town. She kept Velasco’s open later to serve firefighters.

Velasco and her family – including five grandchildren, two sons, a niece, nephew, several dogs and two sheep – are planning to stay in Fresno for the night.

Leaving her Auberry home was hard.

“I cried when I left,” she said. “I leave it in God’s hands.”

What really matters, she said, is that all her family is safe.

“Praying for everyone up here and the firefighters,” she said. “I thank God for them… and everyone out there helping everyone.”

4:15 p.m.: About 100 waiting evacuation from Shaver Lake

A Fresno police official estimated about 100 people, mostly campers and a few journalists, remained at a boat launch on the edge of Shaver Lake about 4 p.m. Monday. The official said he didn’t have an estimate for when they would be allowed to leave. Fire activity has blocked their way out down Highway 168, which is closed at the top of the four-lane at Tollhouse Road.

Watch a Facebook Live feed from Bee photographer Craig Kohlruss here:

3 p.m.: New evacuation updates

The Madera County Sheriff’s Office issued new evacuation orders for the town of North Fork and the surrounding area, including:

• Wishon and Bass Lake Annex

• Roads 221, 222, 226, 200 and all tributary roads

• Road 225 from Mammoth Pool Trailer Park to Road 233

• Italian Bar Road from Road 225 to Reddinger

• Beasore

• Clover Meadow

• Cascadel

• Wagner’s Store/Mammoth Pool

• Whiskey Falls

• Rock Creek and Fish Creek

• Kinsman Flat

• Central Camp

• Arnold Meadows subdivision

• Minarets

• All campgrounds at Minarets

• All campgrounds at Beasore Road off Grizzly Road

Bass Lake Basin and Sky Ranch Road to the Madera County line are under an evacuation advisory. The Madera County Sheriff’s Office urged residents not to wait for an evacuation order if they feel threatened.

The Red Cross has set up a hotline for evacuee shelter information at 571-595-7401.

2 p.m.: Damage evident at Big Creek

Bee visual journalist Craig Kohlruss was in Shaver Lake Monday afternoon among a group of firefighters, not able to exit down Highway 168 due to fire activity.

Kohlruss said Shaver Lake is OK, and structures around Huntington Lake at Lakeshore were also fine when he was in that area Monday morning. Also Monday morning, Kohlruss took photos and video at Big Creek, where fire damage was evident. A store and school were standing, but at least half a dozen homes appeared to be destroyed – hard to count because of the piles of ash – along with several burned cars.

There appeared to be more destroyed homes on the northwest side of a road through town, with less damage on the southeast side.

Flames were also seen Monday morning on Tamarack Ridge above Shaver, near some snow play areas.

1:50 p.m.: Six additional evacuation warnings in Madera County

The Madera County Sheriff’s Office has issued evacuation warnings for six new areas due to the rapidly-moving Creek Fire:

• Road 221 between Road 200 and Road 226 and all spur roads such as Kowana Lane, Pahuma Way, Nielsen Road, Quail Flats Drive, Sunridge Drive and Klette’s Pride Way,
• Road 226 between Road 221 and Road 222 and all spur roads such as Bishop Park Place, Deer Springs Lane, Walker Ranch Road, and Keller Road,
• Road 224 between Road 226 and Road 200 and all spur roads such as Horn Road, Mountain Springs Road, Priest Road, Wilcox Drive, Wild Plum Lane, and Quail Hollow Court,
• Road 225 between Road 222 and Road 274 and all spur roads such as Amber Lane, Willow Creek Drive, and Road 228,
• Road 222 between Road 226 and Road 200 and all spur roads such as Wah Up Way, Weatherly Lane and Buckhorn Court,
• Road 200 on the north side of road between Road 221 and Road 222 and all spur road such as Wild Plum Lane, Tahoot Drive, Maranatha Drive, Golden Acorn Court, Ellis Way, Rocky Road, Cougar Springs Trail

If in need of evacuation assistance call (559) 675-7770. If it is an emergency, call 9 1 1.

1:40 p.m.: Winds pushing Creek Fire to the south

Edwin Zuniga, a spokesman with Cal Fire, said Monday that winds were moving in an easterly direction, which was pushing the Creek Fire south.

Firefighters were focusing primarily on Shaver Lake and the surrounding areas. Some in Shaver Lake, including firefighters and journalists, were not able to leave the town early Monday afternoon due to fire activity.

Zuniga said the Creek Fire continues to create its own weather, which makes it dangerous and unpredictable. He said the large lightning complex fires on the coast weren’t creating their own weather like the Creek Fire is.

Firefighting resources increased overnight, going from over 800 personnel Sunday to more than 970 on Monday, with more firefighting resources on the way.

Zuniga said the fire remained 0% contained early Monday afternoon, still at 78,790 estimated acres burned.

He could not confirm any structures destroyed or damaged at this time – that would come once damage assessment teams are able to survey the areas. He asked that people be patient and also heed evacuation orders, because if officials have to conduct a rescue, that takes away from firefighting progress.

“We understand the emotions they must be going through right now,” Zuniga said of evacuees worrying about the safety of their homes. “So please just be patient with us. We’re going to continue to work as hard as possible around the clock to try to put this fire out as soon and as safely as possible.”

Zuniga said dead trees previously killed by bark beetles are also an “extreme hazard” for firefighters, since they can fall with little to no warning.

The Creek Fire also continues to burn in areas that are difficult for firefighters to access and with lots of vegetation.

1 p.m.: Evacuation warning at Fresno, Madera county line

An evacuation warning has been issued by the Madera County Sheriff’s Office south of Road 200 between Road 221 and Road 222 and all spur roads such as Oak Junction Lane Wyle Ranch Road, Lumburg Road and Fast Lane.

Also, Road 222 between Road 200 and the Fresno/Madera county line and all spur roads such as Carmen Ranch Road, Ciatana Creek Road, Corrine Lake Road, Box Canyon Road, Tunoi Place and Smalley Cove Campground.

There is a potential threat to life and property. Residents are asked to monitor the situation and be prepared to take immediate action.

12:15 p.m.: Additional evacuation orders in Madera County

The Madera County Sheriff’s Office has issued an evacuation order for Road 225 east of Road 274 and all spur roads including Douglas Ranger Station Road, Cascadel Road, Tu-Nobi Way, Rainbow Drive, Lark Lane, Boulder Creek Drive, Tera Tera Ranch Road, Italian Bar Road and Road 235 between Road 222 and Italian Bar Road.

There is an immediate threat to life from the Creek Fire, and deputies are en route to make door-to-door notifications.

11:30 am: Evacuating Auberry

Rhiannon Ross was among those still working to evacuate Auberry late Monday morning.

“My eyes are burning, my throat’s itchy,” Ross said. “It just really sucks. We have a lot of things here.”

Among the favorite items she was packing into her car: A sewing machine, some tools, and an old computer her late father gave her.

11:30 a.m.: Cal Fire update with expected containment

Cal Fire in its most recent incident update of the Creek Fire included a date for expected full containment: it is Oct. 15, 2020.

The wildfire continues to burn on both sides of the San Joaquin River near Mammoth Pool, Shaver Lake, Big Creek and Huntington Lake.

Fuels continue to be the main influence of the fire, mostly from dead and downed vegetation.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. There are now 976 fire personnel assigned to the wildfire.

10:50 a.m.: Auberry area now under mandatory evacuation

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office on advice from Cal Fire has issued a mandatory evacuation order for all residents in Auberry, an area bounded by from Auberry Road, Powerhouse Road, SR 168 and Lodge and Little Sandy Roads.

An Evacuation Order means there is immediate threat to life and property.

10:20 a.m.: Army National Guard standing ready

Col. David Hall, commander of the 40th Combat Aviation Brigade with the Army National Guard based in Fresno, said Monday morning that his brigade didn’t have any requests from sheriff offices in Fresno or Madera counties for needed air evacuations at this time.

He said when smoke clears more they plan to send in a helicopter to assist and scan harder to reach areas. They are positioned to depart if needed, he said.

9:45 a.m.: Updated Fresno County evacuations

Here’s a list of evacuation orders in Fresno County due to the Creek Fire:

• Shaver Lake down to Cressman Road, including Cressman Road
• Big Creek
• Huntington Lake
• Camp Sierra
• High Sierra areas, including Florence Lake, Ward Lake, Portal Forebay, Edison Lake Mono Hot Springs, Kaiser and all campgrounds.
• The area west of Tollhouse, along Auberry Road west to Powerhouse Road.
• Alder Springs, Mile High, Meadow Lakes, Big Sandy, Mono Wind Casino, Jose Basin and Italian Bar.
• Dinkey Creek, Wishon and Courtright Reservoirs.
• Tollhouse Road at Peterson Road down to Lodge Road
• Beal Fire Road
• Powerhouse Road to the San Joaquin River

The county has posted notices to hikers and on vehicle exit routes.

Hikers along the John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail are not in danger of the fire. However, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging hikers to make it to one of three locations in order to make it easy for first responders to account for everyone.

Three temporary refuge areas have been established for people to go and shelter in place.

• China Peak Resort
• Edison Lake
• Blayney Meadow

All trails via eastern passes remain open, so hikers may choose to exit to Hwy. 395. Western slope exits are blocked at Hwy 168, so take refuge at one of refuge areas mentioned above.

Vehicle exit routes

Those who are between Shaver Lake and Dinkey Creek should exit toward Pine Flat Lake via Providence Creek Road.

Those who are in the area of Dinkey Creek and Courtright/Wishon Reservoirs should exit toward Pine Flat Lake via Black Rock Road.

The exit routes above are dirt roads which are not passable with RV trailers, so please drop your trailer at a safe location prior to exiting.

9 a.m.: Creek Fire has now burned 78,790 acres

The Creek Fire, burning since Friday evening, has consumed 78,790 acres, according to the latest update from officials. The blaze continues to burn on both sides of the San Joaquin River near Mammoth Pool, Shaver Lake, Big Creek and Huntington Lake.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. There are now 976 fire personnel assigned to the wildfire.

9 a.m.: Updated Madera County evacuations

Here’s updated list of mandatory evacuations and evacuation advisories issues in Madera County:

Mandatory

• Mammoth Pool trailer park to Road 223, down to Road 225
• Italian Bar Road from Road 225 to Reddinger Lake
• Beasore
• Clover Meadow
• Cascadel
• Wagner’s Store/Mammoth Pool
• Whiskey Falls
• Rock Creek and Fish Creek
• Kinsman Flat
• Central Camp
• Arnold Meadows subdivision
• Minarets
• All campgrounds at Minarets
• All campgrounds at Beasore Road off Grizzly Road

Advisories

• Bass Lake Basin
• North Fork and surrounding areas
• Sky Ranch Road to Madera County Line and surrounding area

7 a.m.: Big Creek ‘heroic acts’

Huntington Lake Volunteer Fire Department Chief Chris Donnelly, who also identifies as Brother Chris in the Catholic Church, said there were many “heroic” acts in Big Creek as the Creek Fire closed in.

“When you get on a fire situation like this, it’s really hard to get updated information and emotions are running high and you’re trying to save lives and save property,” Donnelly said early Monday morning, “so it’s always a little shaky.”

5:15 A.M.: No damage at China Peak

Tim Cohee, chief executive officer and general manager of China Peak Mountain Resort, said that there had not been damage to the popular ski resort at Huntington Lake.

“The fire has stayed north and west of the resort and our marina, China Peak Landing,” Cohee said.

3 A.M.: 2,000 without power at Shaver Lake

Reggie Kumar, spokesperson for Southern California Edison, said that 2,504 customers were without power in the Shaver Lake area, and that the fire is threatening transmission lines.

“Since the fire was spreading rapidly, SCE’s Big Creek Generation facility, the community of Big Creek and Camp Sierra Campground were evacuated,” Kumar said. “Three employees that were sheltering in place at the Big Creek Control building next to the Big Creek Administration Building were escorted out safely by the U.S. Forest Service. One employee is safe and cooking meals for firefighters at the Shaver Lake Community Center.”

7 A.M.: USFS evacuates 20 stranded at Mammoth Pool

Twenty people who were trapped Sunday at Mammoth Pool as the Creek Fire continued to burn near Shaver Lake were evacuated overnight by a U.S. Forest Service ground crew, the Madera County Sheriff’s Office reported Monday morning.

“Everyone is out,” a sheriff’s office spokesman said, by email.

The California Army National Guard’s 40th Combat Aviation Brigade attempted an air rescue on Sunday — but the smoke intensified and made visibility difficult, forcing the rescuers to turn around. It then made plans for a second rescue attempt, by ground.

Late Saturday night, 214 people were airlifted via Blackhawk helicopters from Mammoth Pool after they were unable to evacuate the area. A Sierra National Forest official had advised those stranded to shelter-in-place, even if it meant going in the water.

As of Sunday night, the Creek Fire has burned 73,278 acres on both sides of San Joaquin River near Mammoth Pool and Shaver Lake, Big Creek and Huntington Lake.

There are now 846 total fire personnel assigned to the wildfire.

This story was originally published September 7, 2020 at 8:37 AM with the headline "Creek Fire live updates: North Fork, Bass Lake evacuations; fire at 135,523 acres."