Video shows trees ablaze as China Peak ski resort suffers near miss in Creek Fire

China Peak Mountain Resort avoided major destruction from the Creek Fire that has burned much of the surrounding areas for the past two weeks.

China Peak employees have been on site this week and confirmed that just minor damage occurred after a fire broke out at the ski resort Sept. 8.

“We ... miraculously have escaped major damage from this horrific fire,” China Peak posted on its Facebook page. “China Peak and China Peak Landing is incredibly grateful for the tremendous and unrelenting work of thousands of firefighters as they battle blazes across the state.”

The wildfire did hit the back of the China Peak ski area and burned some employee housing.

Then another fire broke out at the resort the next day, causing a bunker to explode that had explosives inside used in avalanche control, according to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.

No one was injured in the explosion.

The ski resort stated that fire personnel have been stationed at China Peak this week to watch for the possibility of the flames returning. “Every indication,” China Peak wrote, is that the fire has moved out of the area.

China Peak will begin the cleanup process as soon as staff is allowed, and the resort plans on reopening for the 2020-2021 ski season.

“We have a lot to do,” China Peak posted, “but we are confident we can over the next 10-12 weeks get a great deal done to make our projected opening on Thanksgiving weekend.”

Video of China Peak on fire circulated this week, showing several trees on the back parking lot engulfed.

The footage, shot by Huntington Lake Fire Department volunteer Steve Monke, was taken Sept. 8 when the fire occurred but was not posted until this week.

“The wind picked up and everything started burning at once,” Monke said. “I’m not used to seeing all those trees catch fire, and all at one time. That’s when I started recording.

“Thankfully, the resort wasn’t destroyed.”

Added China Peak: “While we have avoided catastrophe, we are saddened by the loss of many homes in the greater mountain community of Shaver and Huntington Lakes.”

Yosemite ski resort to remain closed for 2020-21 season

Meanwhile, Badger Pass in Yosemite National Park, announced on Wednesday it would not open for the 2020-21 season due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. The ski area hasn’t been in operation since March when it closed because of lack of snow.

Season pass holders with be contacted and offered the options of a rollover to next season or a refund.

This story was originally published September 18, 2020 at 5:00 AM.