Hatchet

Hatchet Fire Report - August 12, 2026

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Hatchet Fire ignited around 3:06 a.m. on Sunday, August 9, 2026. The fire is located west of Highway 190 and southwest of Springville, near Radeleff Avenue in Tulare County, California.
Size and Containment: As of the latest updates on August 11, 2026, the fire has burned 606 acres and is currently 67% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: Igniting in the early morning hours, the fire initially burned at a slow to moderate rate of spread through vegetation on private land. While the fire's spread was moderate, rugged terrain and access challenges initially hampered control efforts and made firefighting operations difficult.
Containment Efforts: Firefighters have made aggressive attacks to protect homes and critical infrastructure. The incident commander significantly augmented both air and ground resources early in the incident, bringing in additional type-3 engines, hand crews, dozers, water tenders, and aircraft. Crews have made excellent progress and are currently focused on building and improving containment lines, performing extensive mop-up operations, and conducting suppression repair. The response is being managed under the jurisdiction of the CAL FIRE Tulare Unit.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are currently no mandatory evacuation orders in place for the Hatchet Fire.
Evacuation Warnings: Evacuation warnings were initially issued for nearby communities as the fire threatened structures. However, fire authorities have confirmed that there is currently no immediate threat to residential structures in the Springville community, including the Montgomery Ranch area.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: As evacuation warnings have largely subsided, no active overnight shelters are currently required for this specific incident.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• There are no major highway closures currently reported.
• Residents and travelers are advised to avoid non-essential travel in the immediate vicinity of Highway 190 and Radeleff Avenue to allow heavy equipment and firefighting personnel safe access to the area.

For more information, visit:

• CAL FIRE's Hatchet Fire Incident Page
• Tulare County Fire Department Updates
• Tulare County Sheriff's Office (for local evacuation mapping)

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported civilian or firefighter injuries or fatalities associated with the Hatchet Fire.
Structures Impacted: Multiple structures were initially threatened by the fire's progression. However, due to the aggressive response from air and ground crews, homes and critical infrastructure were successfully protected. No structures have been reported damaged or destroyed.
School and Business Closures: There are no school or business closures reported as a direct result of this fire.
Notable Impacts: The fire has primarily burned across private land and rugged terrain. While it caused initial concern for the Springville community, successful containment has prevented major community disruption.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No major power outages or Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) have been reported in connection with the Hatchet Fire.
Air Quality: Smoke from the fire and ongoing mop-up operations may pose health risks, particularly for sensitive groups or those with respiratory conditions. Residents in the Springville area are advised to monitor local air quality advisories and stay indoors if smoke settles into the valley.
Burn Bans: Tulare County remains under strict fire restrictions. Residents must adhere to all local burn bans, as the region is in the midst of peak fire season with high fire danger.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: With the fire currently at 67% containment, firefighters anticipate continuing mop-up operations and strengthening containment lines over the coming days. The forward progress of the fire has been stopped, and crews are heavily focused on extinguishing interior hot spots and ensuring the perimeter is secure against potential flare-ups.
Weather and Wind Warnings: The weather in Tulare County remains hot and dry, which continues to pose a general fire risk. Daytime temperatures are forecast to reach the low to mid-90s with low humidity levels hovering around 30% to 40%. While winds have moderated, the persistently dry conditions require crews to remain vigilant.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The official cause of the Hatchet Fire remains under investigation by CAL FIRE.
Weather and Climate: The fire ignited during a period of high heat and dry conditions typical of California's peak fire season. Temperatures in the region had been exceeding 100 degrees in the days leading up to the fire. These extreme, dry weather conditions, combined with the rugged local terrain, contributed to the fire's initial spread and the access challenges faced by firefighting crews.

For more information, visit:

• CAL FIRE Incidents Overview
• Tulare County Official Emergency Updates
• National Weather Service - Hanford (for Tulare County weather alerts)