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Several hundred people who became trapped by the Creek Fire in the Sierra National Forest were airlifted to safety in a daring rescue.
But officials say that hundreds of hikers and backpackers may still be in the area.
“The backcountry, the high Sierra is very popular right now with people out and about hiking. Namely the John Muir Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail,” explained Fresno County Sheriff’s spokesperson Tony Botti. “Those people that are hiking, they’re not in immediate danger of the fire right now. They are very high and to the east.”
But the fast growing wildfire is still not under control, so the department has established three temporary refuge areas at the China Peak resort, Edison Lake or Blayney Meadow.
Especially with this weekend marking the unofficial end to summer and the coronavirus pandemic severely limiting vacation options, the outdoors has been more popular than ever.
Botti says that backpackers out in the high country tend to be experienced with the outdoors and likely know to lookout for fires and smoke.
“But what we’re trying to do is minimize a lot of the phone calls we’re getting from family members wondering if their loved one is okay,” he said.