The Garnett Fire has triggered additional evacuations as the flames advance toward Camp Fresno. As of September 9, 2025, the fire finds itself 3 miles (ca. 5 km) away from Camp Fresno. “We evacuated our team, which resulted in relocating vehicles, really securing the camp from anything that could happen, disconnecting propane lines,” City of Fresno Parks Director Aaron Aguirre told Action News. The evacuation took place just days before a significant increase in activity over the weekend. By Sunday, the Garnett Fire expanded by an incredible 10,000 acres. The plume of smoke can be seen from a great distance.
“We took our own safeguards into place prior to the official evacuation notice that came out this Sunday, and wanted to make sure our staff was safe and out of harm’s way,” Aguirre said. The camp is nestled deep within the forest, spanning 40 acres close to Dinkey Creek. Valley children have flocked to the camp each summer for generations. About a hundred years old, the City of Fresno has held ownership since the 1920s, pouring millions into its enhancement to restore it a few years ago. “This happened during our busiest season, which was Labor Day weekend, so we had the entire camp reserved,” Aguirre said. He confirms the camp is currently “intact.”
The firefighters are now working to protect it, along with the surrounding areas of Dinkey Creek and Shaver Lake. City officials, like many in the mountain community, are on edge, as the Garnett Fire rages on for the 16th day. “At this point, it’s going to be a wait and see,” Aguirre said. As the camp staff, now evacuated, approaches the end of the season and prepares for winterization, they remain optimistic about returning alongside campers. ”We feel confident that at the end of this, once our firefighters get this under control, that we’ll be able to resume activities back at Camp Fresno,” Aguirre said. Garnett Fire representatives are organizing an online community forum to update residents on the ongoing fire conditions and answer inquiries.
https://www.sacbee.com/news/california/fires/article312103694.html
https://www.iqair.com/newsroom/wildfire-map-spotlight-garnet-fire-fresno-coiimmunity-California
