Max Fire reaches almost 300 acres near Pine Flat Lake

The “Max Fire” ignited 4 acres in the grass oak woodlands near Big Creek and Vomac roads near Pine Flat Lake after 1 p.m. The area is southeast of Barnes Mountain and northeast of Pine Flat Reservoir.

Around 5:40 p.m., the U.S. Forest Service reported the fire had reached about 288 acres with none of it contained. The fire is reportedly burning at a rapid rate north northeast towards Blue Canyon.

CHP and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office are initiating evacuations of visitors and campers in Blue Canyon. Road closures have also been placed on Dinkey Creek Road, 10S17, Trimmer Springs Road, and 10S69 Big Creek Road.

Deputies announced around 6:50 p.m. an Evacuation order had been set in place for zone K61. To find your zone, click here.

Crews are actively working to prevent the fire from spreading and will provide more updates as the situation develops. No cause has been determined.