Wildfire forces closure of Friant Road in Fresno County, with hundreds of acres at risk

Friant Road in rural Fresno County was shut down early Sunday night after a grass fire erupted, with heavy smoke obscuring drivers’ views as it drifted across the roadway.

Thick grey smoke was seen billowing into the sky as vehicles were being turned around by crews in the area. A helicopter flew over the area making water drops to dose the flames.

Initial estimates were that the wildland blaze, nicknamed the Vulcan Fire, had burned about 200 acres but that later scaled down to about 125.

Flames were spotted about 6 p.m., as winds of about 10 mph and gusts around 20 mph helped drive growth at a moderate rate.

By 7:30 p.m., Cal Fire said that crews were gaining the upper hand, with forward progress of the fire slowed to the east and west. Containment was listed at 20%. Cal Fire provided another update at 10:30 p.m., saying firefighters will work throughout the evening and into tomorrow to strengthen control lines.

The closure along Friant was said to be from Willow Avenue to Lost Lake.

No structures were involved and no injuries were reported.

This story was originally published June 27, 2021 at 6:47 PM.