Update: Fresno County crews now contain 70% of foothills wildfire, Cal Fire says
Fresno County crews made progress overnight in snuffing out a foothill wildfire, area Cal Fire officials said Thursday.
The 171-acre fire burning grass and oak trees, which has been dubbed the House Fire, was deemed 70% contained through about 5 p.m. Thursday, according to Cal Fire Fresno County Battalion Chief Dan Urias.
Earlier Thursday, Cal Fire reported on social media that progress had been made overnight: “Crews worked throughout the night to increase containment percentage. A day shift of firefighters will continue working today mopping up hotspots until 100% containment is achieved.”
Cal Fire firefighters were dispatched at 12:39 p.m. Wednesday to the area of Tollhouse Road and Van Vleet in northeast Fresno County, according to officials.
Two injuries have been reported, including one to a U.S. Forest Service employee who suffered a leg injury, Urias said. She was transported to an area hospital with the aid of a California Highway Patrol helicopter.
A Cal Fire employee sustained a shoulder injury, and he was transported by ground, Urias said. Both are listed in stable condition and their injuries were not considered serious.
California Highway Patrol officers closed off roads near Burrough Valley Road and Pittman Hill where they each meet Tollhouse Road.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the blaze, according to sheriff’s spokesperson Tony Botti.
Evacuation warnings are in place for the immediate area, he said Wednesday.
This story was originally published May 12, 2022 at 7:42 AM.
