Evacuations ordered as Mineral Fire grows to 16,500 acres, 20% contained

FRESNO, Calif. — Fresno County residents are under evacuation orders after the Mineral Fire grows to 16,500 acres burning in western Fresno County just outside Coalinga.

On Thursday morning, CAL FIRE said the fire is 20% contained and one structure has been destroyed with others still threatened.

According to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, the fire is causing significant amounts of smoke to infiltrate the central and southern part of the San Joaquin Valley.

Wednesday afternoon, CAL FIRE put out an evacuation order for all businesses and residences within the areas of

• Highway 198 from Parsons Road west to the Monterey County line
• The Monterey/ Fresno County line from Hwy 198 north to Coalinga/ Los Gatos Creek Road
• Los Gatos Creek Road east to Parson/Mud Run Road and Mud Run/Parson Road south to Hwy 198

Highway 198 between Firestone Ave and the Monterey County line remains closed.