FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — The Pin Fire has brought back a familiar concern for foothill and mountain residents.<\/p>\n
As winter grasses dry, the risk of wildfire increases.<\/p>\n
Recent fires across Fresno County, including the Pin Fire near Millerton Lake, have officially marked the start of the busy fire season.<\/p>\n
“Just in the last two weeks, we’ve seen an increase in fire activity when it comes to grass fires. On the west side near Kettleman City, we had a fire that was just over 1,200 acres, and then the Pin Fire incident yesterday,” says Zach Irion, Fresno County Fire Captain.<\/p>\n
The fire burned 6.5 acres and is 100% contained. It was under control within a few hours.<\/p>\n
Responding Captain, Joey Weimer, says Fire Station 72 is bringing in some new resources that helped with Monday’s firefight.<\/p>\n
“Having the help of patrol 72 was a game changer for me because I was able to get it out fast and it’s faster than other type 3 engines coming from another station because they are right here and they are close,” explains Weimer.<\/p>\n
Fire Station 72 is also new.<\/p>\n
It opened its doors to its firefighters in the winter of 2025.<\/p>\n
A welcome upgrade from their previous station, just a couple of miles down the road.<\/p>\n
“We have a brand new facility here, it holds all of our equipment, as you can see in the back, we have four pieces of equipment, each different piece of equipment does a different job, but they all help in this area for what we need it for,” mentions Weimer.<\/p>\n
On Monday, Fresno County Fire will welcome back 50 wildland firefighters.<\/p>\n
While stations gear up for wildfire season, they are urging residents to do the same by creating defensible space around their homes.<\/p>\n
And in case of a fire, Fresno County Fire Captain Zach Irion encourages people to be prepared, “Make sure you have a wildfire access plan, so you know your escape route, and you have a meeting area with your family. You have a go bag with essential items like medications, extra clothes, and then also, if you have any animals, having a plan for them where they can be evacuated.”<\/p>\n
In the meantime, investigators are looking into the cause of the Pin Fire.<\/p>\n
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