Crews continue to battle Silver Fire near Squaw Valley

FRESNO COUNTY (KFSN) -- Firefighters are busy as another wildfire broke out-- this time closer to home. Crews are battling a blaze near Squaw Valley that has destroyed at least three homes.

The Silver Fire started on Wednesday afternoon near Silver Lane and Elwood Road. The fire has charred about 50 acres and is just 40-percent contained.

Mandatory evacuations remained in place earlier Thursday morning but homeowners did return home after 8:00 am to inspect the damage to their property. Road closures in the area have also been opened.

David Arnwine, who lost his home to the fire, said, "We got out okay, I did lose all my animals-- they were really special to me."

The forward progress of this fire has stopped and the cooler temperatures overnight helped to get a better handle on this fire. And because of that crews expect their containment lines to continue to increase through the day.