FRESNO, Calif. — The Creek Fire has burned roughly 246,000 acres in Fresno and Madera counties with 20% containment, says Cal Fire Fresno.
The fire, blazing on both sides of the San Joaquin River near Mammoth Pool and the communities of Shaver Lake, Big Creek and Huntington Lake, began on Sept. 4.
The cause of the fire is still unknown. Nearly 800 structures have been destroyed, and an additional 67 structures have also been damaged.
Road closures and evacuations are underway in Fresno and Madera County.
MAPS
National Interagency Fire Center live map of the fire's location (it might take a few seconds for the fires to show up on the map):
WILDFIRE PREPS
According to Cal Fire, in 2019, California wildfires burned just under 260,000 acres from 7,860 incidents. Over 700 structures were damaged or destroyed and three people were killed. This follower two years of some of the “deadliest and most destructive wildfires” in California history.
If you live in a wildfire-prone zone, Cal Fire suggests creating a defensible space around your home. Defensible space is an area around a building in which vegetation and other debris are completely cleared. At least 100 feet is recommended.
The Department of Homeland Security suggests assembling an emergency kit that has important documents, N95 respirator masks, supplies to grab with you if you’re forced to leave at a moment’s notice. The agency also suggests signing up for local warning system notifications and know your community’s evacuation plans to best prepare yourself and your family in cases of wildfires.