The California National Guard rescued more than 200 evacuees from the fast-moving Creek Fire Saturday evening.
According to U.S. Forest Service officials, the Creek Fire started Friday night in the Big Creek drainage between Shaver Lake, Big Creek and Huntington Lake.
As of Sunday afternoon, the fire has grown to more than 45,000 acres and prompted evacuation orders for the communities of Big Creek, Huntington Lake and Cascadel Woods.
A spokesperson for the Fresno Fire Department said 63 rescued evacuees required immediate medical care, including 17 people who suffered severe injuries in the fire and needed to be transported to a nearby hospital as soon as the helicopter landed in Fresno.
At least 10 evacuees were moderately injured and 51 had minor to no injuries, according to fire crews.
Updated information for MCI incident: So far, 63 people rescued by military helicopters and delivered to FYI, 2 severely injured patients, 10 moderately injured and 51 others with minor or no injuries. Aircraft are returning to continue rescue operations. Unknown how many more.
— Fresno Fire PIO (@FresnoFire) September 6, 2020
Crews are prohibiting access the Shaver Lake area.
Authorities said Highway 168 is closed 2.7 miles east of Prather below the four lanes.
