Friday, 14 August 2026, 12:54
The Hatchet Fire is burning in Tulare County, triggering evacuation warnings and threatening multiple structures. Cal Fire crews have been on scene since early Sunday morning.
Cal Fire crews are battling a wildfire that started Sunday morning in Tulare County. The Hatchet Fire has burned 607 acres west of Highway 190 and southwest of Springville. Initial reports from ABC30 indicated 450 acres, while an updated Cal Fire report increased the size to 607 acres.
Crews responded to the fire at 3 a.m. on Sunday, according to Cal Fire.
Nearby communities are under evacuation warnings. Several structures, including homes, are threatened by the flames. Fire officials say the rugged terrain is making access difficult.
Cal Fire is using both air and ground resources to strengthen suppression efforts. Additional crews, engines, aircraft, and equipment have been brought in. The fire is moving at a moderate rate of spread.
Springville is a small community in the southern Sierra Nevada, an area prone to wildfires during hot, dry months. The fire is burning west of Highway 190, a key route in the region.
California has faced increasingly destructive wildfires in recent years. Tulare County, in particular, has seen fires move rapidly through steep, brush-covered terrain. The Hatchet Fire adds to a long history of dangerous wildfire seasons.
Officials urge residents to stay alert and follow evacuation guidance. More updates are expected as crews continue to battle the blaze and investigators work to determine how it started.
