Thunderstorm threatens Basin Fire, full containment nears

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – A possible weekend thunderstorm in the High Sierra could bring lightning to the Basin Fire area as fire crews get closer and closer to complete containment.

As of Wednesday morning, the Basin Fire is 92% contained and 14,020 acres large, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Firefighters say they have seen no threat to their fire lines in several days. However, an initial attack group is still available to respond to any new fires in the area.

Officials say crews continue to repair damage caused by fire suppression. They are also working to mitigate future issues by building water bars to reduce erosion and the subsequent risk of landslides.

The U.S. Forest Service announced Wednesday that forest closure orders in the area have been reduced by two-thirds. This new closure order covers 41,918 acres and is expected to remain in effect until August 9. A map of the area can be viewed below.

Mandatory evacuation orders were lifted on Tuesday, and all county roadblocks have been removed.

Evacuation warnings remain in place for zones K30, K31 and K40.

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