A fast-moving wildfire known as the Max Fire has burned 300 acres in Fresno County near Pine Flat Lake, with 5% containment reported as of late Sunday night, according to CAL FIRE.
The fire started around 1:11 p.m. on July 13 near Big Creek Road and Vomac Road, in the rugged Blue Canyon area. Fueled by dry brush and summer heat, it quickly spread through oak woodland terrain, prompting an emergency response from the U.S. Forest Service and CAL FIRE.
Evacuations Ordered in Zone K61
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office has issued mandatory evacuation orders for Zone K61, a remote area near Bob’s Flat Road and Soaproot Saddle Road. Campgrounds in Blue Canyon have also been evacuated.
CAL FIRE officials have warned that hot, dry weather and erratic wind patterns could cause flare-ups and new fire runs, especially in the early afternoon and evening hours.
Aerial and Ground Crews Battling the Fire
Multiple helicopters and air tankers have been deployed to assist ground crews in establishing control lines. Despite the progress, the fire remains unpredictable due to steep terrain and low humidity.
“Even at 5% containment, we’re far from out of danger,”
one CAL FIRE official noted.
“It’s about holding the line and preventing spread toward populated zones.”
What to Do If You’re Impacted by a Max Fire
If you live in Fresno County and are near the affected zone:
- Evacuate immediately if ordered — Zone K61 is under mandatory evacuation
- Keep a go-bag ready with essentials like medication, documents, and chargers
- Photograph your property for insurance documentation, especially before smoke or ash exposure
- Do not attempt to re-enter closed zones, even if you see no visible fire nearby
Legal Rights After a Wildfire
Even if your home doesn’t burn, you may still experience losses due to:
- Smoke damage to structures or personal property
- Business interruptions or job loss due to evacuation
- Health impacts from inhaling wildfire smoke
- Evacuation expenses (lodging, meals, pet boarding)
If utility negligence, land mismanagement, or delayed emergency response played a role in worsening the fire’s impact on you — you may be eligible to file a wildfire damage claim.
“It’s a misconception that only burned homes qualify for legal claims. In many wildfire cases, the smoke damage, financial disruption, and displacement are just as devastating,” says Sasha Bojat, lead attorney at Bojat Law Group.
If utility negligence, poor land maintenance, or emergency management failures played a role in making the fire worse or if your insurer is trying to delay, deny, or underpay your claim you may have a legal path forward.
Affected by the Max Fire? Call Fresno Personal Injury Lawyer
If you were impacted by the Max Fire—whether through evacuation, smoke exposure, property contamination, or business disruption—you may have a valid legal claim. These damages often go beyond what insurance covers, and recovery depends on timely documentation and action.
At Bojat Law Group, our personal injury lawyers assist Fresno County residents with wildfire-related claims involving residential smoke damage, evacuation costs, lost revenue, and health-related issues tied to air quality. We also handle cases involving insurance delays or low settlement offers. Our team works directly with environmental experts, inspectors and claims professionals to build strong, verifiable cases.
Call us at (818) 877-4878 for a free consultation. We represent clients across Fresno County and the Central Valley. No fee unless we win your case.
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