FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - Wednesday marks 18 days since the Garnet Fire began ravaging the Sierra National Forest.

It grew 1,870 acres overnight.

“Our current concern with the fire and our highest priority is in the north and northeast eastern part in this area,” Rachael Thurston with the U.S. Forest Service said.

Thurston says, as the fire moves north, it inches toward residential areas like Shaver Lake.

The Forest Service finished setting up its second camp at China Peak on Wednesday, which will give crews easier daily access to the fire.

“We are working very hard to keep it within the primary containment,” Thurston said.

The fire is also moving southeast toward the rural forest, creating an entirely different challenge.

“The more rugged the terrain, the harder it is for

See Full Page