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Deschutes County Sheriff's Office shows shows homes covered in fire retardant dropped from firefighting aircraft for battling the Flat Fire in central Oregon, Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025. (Deschutes County Sheriff's Office via AP)

FRESNO, Calif. – Firefighting crews tried to corral a fast-growing blaze churning through central California's Sierra National Forest as forecasters warned Tuesday that lightning strikes from thunderstorms could spark new ignitions.

Since breaking out Sunday afternoon, the Garnet Fire has scorched 14 square miles (36 square km) of grass, chaparral and timber in a remote area known for camping and hiking about 60 miles (97 km) east of Fresno. There was no containment.

Firefighters were aided by scattered rain showers as they worked to protect the tiny Balch C

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