Fresno County ratifies local state of emergency amid Garnet Fire threat

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The Fresno County Board of Supervisors has officially ratified a local state of emergency in response to the growing threat of the Garnet Fire, a move that county leaders say will help unlock additional resources and reimbursement options for firefighting efforts already underway.

The emergency declaration, originally issued by the county’s chief administrative officer earlier this week, required formal ratification by the board within seven days. That ratification came during a special meeting on Friday morning.

“So today the Board of Supervisors ratified the state of emergency that was declared by our Chief Administrative Officer a few days ago,” said District 5 Supervisor Nathan Magsig.

According to Magsig, the declaration is not only about public safety, but also about protecting Fresno County’s finances.

“The reason that we declared a state of emergency is because right now the County of Fresno is incurring significant costs,” he said.

Magsig added that crews from the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and the Fresno-Kings Unit of Cal Fire are working closely with the U.S. Forest Service to control the fire’s spread.

Cal Fire Ramps Up Resources

Cal Fire, Fresno County Chief Dustin Hail said the local emergency declaration streamlines logistics for the agencies working the front lines.

“It just allows the opportunities to make emergency services a lot easier to deal with,” said Hail.

Cal Fire officials confirmed they currently have 12 bulldozers, 10 engines, and multiple overhead personnel assigned to support the Forest Service in the firefight.

“We’re collaborative. We’re working for them,” Hail said.

Air Quality Takes a Hit

As flames continue to burn through dry vegetation and smoke, particulate matter has worsened air quality in the Central Valley.

“It’s not great,” said Heather Heinks with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. “And the potential for it to get worse is pretty high.”

She urged sensitive groups—including children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues—to stay indoors and use air purifiers if possible.

“There are ways to protect yourself so you’re not breathing in massive amounts of fine particulate matter,” Heinks said.

Lightning Confirmed as Cause

Officials with the U.S. Forest Service say the Garnet Fire was started by lightning strikes in the area—a common threat during California’s dry summer months.

Basecamp at Avocado Lake

Avocado Lake Park is currently serving as the base of operations for the firefighting effort and will remain closed to the public until further notice.