FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. — The Rock Fire continues to burn in Inyo County, scorching more than 11,479 acres and threatening nearby communities.
Fresno Co. firefighters and aircraft sent to help battle Rock Fire threatening Inyo County. (Photo: CAL FIRE)
The fire is currently 5% contained.
As firefighters work to increase containment, Fresno-based crews and aircraft are assisting with the response.
From the Fresno Air Attack Base to the fire lines in Inyo County, firefighting aircraft are making repeated trips landing, reloading, and heading back into the firefight throughout the day.
Gary Couch, a Fire Captain with CAL FIRE/Fresno County Fire, says aircraft from Fresno are among the resources helping battle the blaze.
“We’ve sent one air attack and one air tanker and helicopter over to the Rock Fire,” he said.
Among those aircraft are one of CAL FIRE’s newest C-130 air tankers based in Fresno, along with another C-130 from the Ramona Air Attack Base.
Fresno Co. firefighters and aircraft sent to help battle Rock Fire threatening Inyo County. (Photo: CAL FIRE)
Couch says air resources are critical during fast-moving wildfires because they can often reach the fire before ground crews and help slow the flames.
“Because sometimes they arrive first and they’ll be able to slow the fire down, which will allow us more time to arrive on scene and extinguish the fire,” he said.
The local support is not just coming from the air.
CAL FIRE also sent hand crews to assist with operations on the ground.
Couch says Fresno resources include two hand crews, making up a strike team of about 30 firefighters and a leader.
Officials say Fresno-based aircraft and crews will continue supporting the Rock Fire response until needed.
The Rock Fire is burning near communities and infrastructure around Birch Creek, Fish Springs, Tinnemaha Campground, Baxter Ranch, and the Perlite Mine.