Incident Overview

An update on acreage will be released in the morning fire update after a mapping flight is conducted tonight.

Today fire activity was moderate until about 2:00 PM. As the afternoon progressed, fire activity picked up as the wind and topography aligned. The north and northwest parts of the fire exhibited extreme fire behavior with rapid rates of spread. The fire crossed Shakeflat Creek and is moving north. Crews will work through the night on building containments lines on the northern perimeter of the fire.

The burning operation was again successful on the southern edge of the fire. This anchor point and burnout operation is the highest priority in order to provide for the structure defense in the Hogue Ranch and Kinsman Flat area. Crews will continue building fire lines along the western edge of the fire.

The French Fire will continue to produce large amounts of smoke, which has impacted local communities. Smoke is typically greater in the morning and evening hours. Plan outdoor activities for times and places with low smoke levels. Up-slope breezes occur during the day, which will often take smoke into higher elevations. In the evening, these winds change direction and bring smoke down slope to lower elevations. For more information about smoke impacts, please visit the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Districts website at: http://valleyair.org/wildfires.htm

Evacuations:

Today residents living in the community of Arnold Meadow have been notified to evacuate due to increased fire activity along the northern perimeter of the fire. Several summer homes in the Hogue Apple Ranch and Wagner’s Resort were evacuated earlier in the week.

Closures:

A Forest Service Area Road and Trail Closure, Forest Order # 15-14-07, has been issued for the French Fire area. More information about the Forest Closure and the closure can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/o44cvyu .

Basic Information

Current Situation

Outlook

Current Weather

Today the fire behavior was focused in the northwest perimeter of the fire. Fire activity was also problematic on the southern end of the fire. Crews were able to hold the direct fire line to the south, which was established prior. A burning operation was successful in helping secure part of the southern edge of the fire. Crews continued to make progress on establishing fire liens along the western edge of the fire. The fire is being held on the east flank and has not crossed the San Joaquin River. On the northern end, the fire continues to back down towards the Windy Point boat launch at the Mammoth Pools.

Several Forest Service and private campgrounds were evacuated for public safety concerns. Several summer homes in the Hogue Apple Ranch and Wagner's Resort were also evacuated. The impacted residences were able to make arrangements to stay elsewhere and there was not a need to open any shelters.