A fire in western Kings County has scorched more than 18,000 acres. It’s only 24 percent contained.

Fire is threatening to burn structures and high-tension power lines after ripping through more than 18,000 acres of wild land in the western Kings County hills, near Avenal.

Cal Fire has reported that the Garza Fire has grown and is now 24 percent contained as of Wednesday morning. It began burning on Sunday and at one point, brought the number of firefighter personnel fighting it to more than 900.

The flames have reached tall grass and brush in the Tar Canyon and Turkey Flats areas, west of Avenal. Cal Fire said firefighting efforts are being hindered by steep and rugged areas that are preventing firefighters from accessing the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

An advisory evacuation warning was issued for areas west of Highway 33, north of the Fresno County line and south of Jacalitos Creek.

The Garza Fire is the second largest fire now burning in California. It is one of 13 wildfire operations Cal Fire is working on. The largest fire burning in the state is the Alamo Fire, at 28,687 acres, east of Santa Maria. The Schaeffer Fire, at 15,859 acres, is burning in the Tulare County mountains.

This story was originally published July 11, 2017 at 7:54 PM with the headline "A fire in western Kings County has scorched more than 18,000 acres. It’s only 24 percent contained.."