Wildfire Safety and Preparedness

Wildfire Burns More than 28 Square Miles in Fresno County (PHOTOS)

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A firefighter works to knock down hot spots on a hillside along Mineral Spring Road west of Coalinga, Calif., while fighting the Mineral Fire on Thursday, July 16, 2020. Firefighters aided by helicopters and air tankers battled a 26 square mile wildfire in a rural area of Central California that is 20% contained, a fire command statement said. (Craig Kohlruss/The Fresno Bee via AP)

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A firefighter works to knock down hot spots on a hillside along Mineral Spring Road west of Coalinga, Calif., while fighting the Mineral Fire on Thursday, July 16, 2020. Firefighters aided by helicopters and air tankers battled a 26 square mile wildfire in a rural area of Central California that is 20% contained, a fire command statement said. (Craig Kohlruss/The Fresno Bee via AP)

The so-called Mineral Fire has burned through more than 28 square miles in Fresno County, California, since Monday, and evacuations are in effect for communities northwest of the city of Coalinga.

The fire also forced the shutdown of State Highway 198 between Firestone Avenue and the Monterey County line.

(MORE: Central California Wildfire Forces Evacuations)

The fire was 25% contained by Thursday evening, according to Cal Fire.

The fire threatened 60 structures, but none had been damaged as of Wednesday night. Fighting the fire has been challenging due to it being nearly impossible to reach locations and rapid uphill and wind-driven runs, according to officials.

A "health caution" was issued by the San Joaquin Valley Pollution Control District, urging residents, especially those with asthma or other respiratory health challenges, to stay inside. Smoke could also affect Merced, Madera and Tulare counties.

Click through the slideshow above to see photos of the fire as responders work to battle the flames.