Update: Evacuation warnings for wildfire in Fresno County foothills; two injuries reported
Fire crews were responding to a wildfire Wednesday afternoon in the Fresno County foothills, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Calfire firefighters were dispatched at 12:39 p.m. to the area of Tollhouse Road and Van Vleet for a fire, said Cal Fire/Fresno County Fire Battalion Chief Dan Urias.
Update: Containment improves Thursday morning
In addition, CHP officers closed off roads near Burrough Valley Road and Pittman Hill where they each cross Tollhouse Road.
Firefighters began calling in air support as well.
At 2 p.m., Cal Fire reported the blaze, dubbed the House Incident, at 75 acres in grass and oak woodland with 0% containment.
At 3:15 p.m., the wildfire was at 120 acres with 10% containment.
At 4 p.m., acres grew to 150 with 10% containment.
Crews are making significant progress, just before 6 p.m., with 50% containment as the fire is at 171 acres.
Two injuries were also reported.
An US Forest Service employee sustained a leg injury and a California Highway Patrol helicopter conducted an air rescue. A Cal Fire employee sustained a shoulder injury. Both are listed in stable condition.
Urias reported threats to structures and powerlines, with a “significant augmentation of additional fire resources.”
Evacuation warnings
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Forest Service also responded and more resources are on the way, according to sheriff’s spokesperson Tony Botti.
Evacuation warnings are in place for the immediate area, he said. “We encourage residents to begin getting ready to leave should we have to elevate it to an evacuation order,” he said.
This story was originally published May 11, 2022 at 1:34 PM with the headline "Update: Evacuation warnings for wildfire in Fresno County foothills; two injuries reported."
