Crews battle Ford Fire, Rector Fire in Fresno County as fire season heats up

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Fire crews in Fresno County are working around the clock to battle two wildfires that broke out less than 24 hours apart — the Rector Fire, which started Tuesday, and the Ford Fire, which ignited early Tuesday morning.

As of the latest update, both fires remain active. Firefighters are working to contain the flames, which have already burned dozens of acres combined. Cal Fire crews say they’re preparing for what could be a very busy fire season ahead.

“The fire started around 6:45 this morning,” said Capt. Gary Couch, Public Information Officer with Cal Fire. “When the first battalion chief arrived, he reported about 2 acres. It’s grown since then.”

The Ford Fire sparked just one day after the Rector Fire, which broke out near the intersection of Rector and Elwood Roads. 

“They’re both in Yokuts Valley, so they’re probably about six miles from each other,” Couch said.

Crews say the Ford Fire has been especially challenging due to difficult access.

“The terrain is steep and rugged, with a bunch of rocks. It makes getting to the fire difficult,” Couch explained.

Cal Fire had to quickly shift resources from the Rector Fire to the Ford Fire as new flames flared up.

“The resources that we had on the Rector Fire were pooled to help fight this fire,” Couch said. “Crews were still rotating in from out of the unit.”

The response to both fires has been aggressive. According to Couch, more than 100 personnel are currently assigned to the Ford Fire alone.

“We have over 100 personnel on scene, with about ten engines, two bulldozers, and four hand crews,” he said. “We also have three air tankers and two helicopters helping from the air.”

So far this year, Fresno County has seen 215 grass fires, a number that Couch says underscores the importance of rapid response.

“The difference is, if we catch the fire with initial resources, we don’t need to order more,” he said. “But when we can’t catch it right away, we have to bring in additional resources.”

To prepare for wildfire season, Cal Fire brings on seasonal firefighters who go through intensive training.

“It’s very important to be able to do their job effectively and efficiently,” Couch said. “Sometimes, their life depends on it.”

The cause of the Rector Fire is under investigation. 

Officials confirmed that a bird hitting a nearby power line is what started the Ford Fire early this morning.