FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KMJ/KFSN) — The Pin Fire has brought back a familiar concern for foothill and mountain residents.
As winter grasses dry, the risk of wildfire increases.
Recent fires across Fresno County, including the Pin Fire near Millerton Lake, have officially marked the start of the busy fire season.
“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.
The fire burned 6.5 acres and is 100% contained. It was under control within a few hours.
Responding Captain, Joey Weimer, says Fire Station 72 is bringing in some new resources that helped with Monday’s firefight.
“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.
Fire Station 72 is also new.
It opened its doors to its firefighters in the winter of 2025.
It’s a welcome upgrade from their previous station, just a couple of miles down the road.
“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.
On Monday, Fresno County Fire will welcome back 50 wildland firefighters.
While stations gear up for wildfire season, they are urging residents to do the same by creating defensible space around their homes.
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.”
In the meantime, investigators are looking into the cause of the Pin Fire.
