Blue Fire hits 400 acres in Fresno County

A dayold wildfire, known as the Blue Fire, has been burning through a southwest portion of the Sierra National Forest forcing the evacuation of the Bretz Mill campgrounds in Fresno County.

About 100 fire personnel were responding to the 400acre blaze. The cause of the fire was still unknown as of Wednesday afternoon, said Alex Olow, a Sierra National Forest spokesperson.

So far, 25% of the Blue Fire has been contained but weather conditions that could make the wildfire spread continue to be a concern, Olow said. The area has also experienced tripledigit heat along with potential for thunderstorm activity, Olow added.

The fire was in an area under a special weather advisory by the National Weather Service Wednesday due to potential for thunderstorms that could trigger more fires in the area.

The Blue Fire was moving northwest Wednesday morning, toward the burn scar left behind by last year’s Creek Fire. There were no reports of injuries or structures burned.

Evacuation orders were issued to two homeowners so far, who have both refused to leave, said Tony Botti, a spokesperson for the Fresno County Sheriff ’s Office.

Evacuation warnings for nearby communities are also in effect, including those in and near the Shaver Lake area, Botti said.

Even though the Creek Fire burned through nearly 380,000 acres of Fresno and Madera counties, many unaffected residents who evacuated complained about having to take precautions this year, Botti said. As a result, he’s concerned with residents not taking evacuation orders seriously.

“The last thing I want is for people to not heed our warnings,” Botti said.