National forest closure in area affected by 11,000-acre fire northeast of Fresno

Sierra National Forest officials ordered a forest closure in the area of ​​the Basin Fire Sunday morning.

The closure order, which will remain in effect until July 30, was issued as nearly 700 people worked to slow the progress of the fire northeast of Fresno. Click on the forest closure order and the area map.

Forest officials said Sunday morning that the fire was 11,047 acres and 0% contained.

“Additional personnel and equipment continue to arrive daily to support firefighting operations,” the Forest Service said in a news release.

“Structure protection crews are working in the Balch Camp area to protect energy infrastructure and bulldozers are continuing their work building a firebreak to the west and northwest of the fire. Fire crews will be deployed to the northern edge of the fire near Rodger's Ridge and will be supported by aircraft.

“The southern perimeter of the fire is located north of the South Fork of the Kings River.”

As of Sunday morning, 697 people, 11 crews, 43 engines and 12 helicopters were assigned to the fire, officials said.

Related article: Firefighters make progress at Fresno June Lightning complex, all evacuations…

Grass burns in the scar of the fierce 2015 fire

Officials said the fire is burning primarily in dry, dense grass located in the scar of the 2015 Rough Fire.

“Although there was some growth along the northwest and eastern edges of the fire yesterday, the growth rate is slowing,” authorities said.

The Sierra National Forest has ordered new temporary fire restrictions prohibiting campfires, welding and smoking in undeveloped campsites. Visit for more details on the fire restrictions and forest order.

Related Story: 7,472-Acre Basin Fire Burns Sierra National Forest Near Balch Camp

Mandatory evacuation orders

There is a mandatory evacuation order for the KK30, K29, K73 north and K75 south Elwood areas of Fresno County.

There is an evacuation warning for areas of Fresno County: K72, K73 south, K75 north of Elwood, K 93 and K 134.

Please see the Fresno County evacuation map:

Road closures

Road closure signs have been placed around the perimeter of the fire. The public should check which roads are closed before traveling to the area, as no one will be allowed to enter areas subject to evacuation warnings. To access websites showing evacuation orders, road closures and many other emergency resources, visit:

Visit AirNow to find out the air quality index in your area. As the smoke intensifies, the amount of particles in the air changes, as do the steps you need to take to protect yourself.