Firefighters in Central California battle wildfires in Fresno County

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (NBC, KYMA/KECY) - Difficult conditions are complicating efforts to fight fast-spreading wildfires in Central California.

Steep and rugged, high temperatures and a four-thousand acre fire nearby, these were some of the obstacles Cal Fire crews faced during the initial attack on the Branch 2 Fire.

"First arriving unit was our air attack," said Gary Couch, Public Information Officer for the Fresno County Fire Department. "It was hard to find because this area was soaked in with smoke from the Garnet Fire."

Couch says the Branch 2 Fire grew to more than 20 acres in a very short time while adding, "It grew because no one was on scene. We couldn't find it. That's the reason why it got big."

Smoke from the much larger Garnet Fire was preventing crews from finding the exact location of the Branch 2 Fire.

"And then once we found it, getting everyone to the right location and then obviously it's steep and it was hot and it was muggy," Couch shared.

The Garnet Fire, burning in the Sierra National Forest, is located east of the Pine Flat Reservoir.

"Some of the challenges are the steep terrain, the limited access and the potential for thunder cells and thunderstorms to affect the winds and the behavior of the fire," said Amy Cox with the U.S. Forest Service.

Forestry officials say there are currently nine other fires burning in the High Sierra all under investigation, but recent weather patterns likely played a role.

"But it's believed to be caused by lightning," Cox remarked.

According to Cal Fire, as of Tuesday, the Garnet Fire has burned 6,559 acres and is 0% contained while the Branch 2 Fire has burned 28 acres and is 48% contained.

To keep up-to-date with the Garnet Fire, click here. To keep up-to-date with the Branch 2 Fire, click here.