Creek Fire update, Oct. 17: Blaze grows to 346,477 acres; how's it impacting air quality?

Oct. 17--The Creek Fire, which has destroyed 856 structures and burned thousands of trees in the Sierra and Inyo national forests, was reported to be 60% contained Saturday morning, after burning more than 346,477 acres since mid-September, according to Cal Fire.

President Donald Trump, reversing an earlier decision from federal officials, released millions of dollars in relief for fire-ravaged California to help battle statewide blazes, including the Creek Fire and the SQF Fire in Tulare County.

The SQF fire, three miles east of Giant Sequoia National Monument, has burned more than 168,095 acres and is 72% contained after destroying 228 structures.

Air quality continues to be degraded by the statewide blazes and was listed as unhealthy for sensitive groups in Fresno, Madera, and Tulare Counties.

Update on Dolan Fire

Along the Central Coast, firefighters are close to final containment on the Dolan Fire, which has raged near Big Sur for nearly two months.

A team of New York city firefighters, which is managing the blaze, said it expected 100% containment as early as today, as weather conditions improved. They warned poor humidity overnight would continue to expose hot spots, which are being monitored.

The blaze has charred 124,924 acres and destroyed 19 structures and a wildlife sanctuary for endangered California condors. It was allegedly started Aug. 17 by Ivan Geronimo Gomez, a 30-year-old Fresno man, who was arrested a day later. He remains in Monterey County Jail.

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