Southern perimeter of Basin Fire secured, USFS says

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – Wildland firefighters have successfully secured the southern perimeter of the Basin Fire, the United States Forest Service announced Thursday.

As of Thursday morning , the fire is now 13,979 acres and 46% contained.

Although an ongoing heat wave continues to dry out brush in the area, winds are relatively light and not substantially affecting the blaze, according to the United States Forest Service (USFS). In the past 24 hours, the fire has grown less than 200 acres. Officials say this decreasing trend in growth is expected to continue.

Crews are currently focusing on the northern perimeter where they will be building firelines north of Rodgers Ridge. Officials say the terrain in this location is very steep and difficult to access.

The eastern side of the fire has been staying within the constructed lines and crews say they have boxed in the fire with a combination of dozer line and retardant on the western side.

Evacuation orders remain in place for Fresno County zones K29, K30, K31, K40, K41 and K166. Evacuation warnings are in effect for zones K61 and K76.

A live map showing the evacuation orders can be viewed below:

The following campgrounds are also closed:

• Bear Wallow Campground
• Black Rock Campground
• Gravel Flat Group Campground
• Kirch Flat Campground
• Kirch Flat Group Campground
• Oak Flat Campground
• Ross Crossing Campground
• Sawmill Flat Campground

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47.