No Confirmed Quake: Fresno County’s Reported Tremor Turns Out to Be a False Alarm
Late Monday evening, residents near the eastern edge of Fresno County reported feeling a light tremor.
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Late Monday evening, residents near the eastern edge of Fresno County reported feeling a light tremor. However, the U.S. Geological Survey recorded no 2.2 magnitude earthquake in Fresno County on that date.
Neither regional seismic trackers nor official records list such an event. What is confirmed, however, is a magnitude 4.3 earthquake that struck earlier this year, on February 13, 2025, near the Coalinga–Avenal area. That event, felt across parts of Central California, caused no damage but reminded residents of the region’s constant geological movement. While no quakes were verified this week, minor tremors are common in the region.
Fresno County sits within a network of active fault zones influenced by the San Andreas and Eastern Sierra faults.
Seismologists note that even small shifts underground are valuable data points for tracking stress changes that could one day lead to larger events. Fresno County, home to more than one million residents, has built strong preparedness habits over the years. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department reported no earthquake-related calls this week, but local officials continue to remind residents to stay prepared.
That includes securing heavy furniture, maintaining emergency kits, and using alert systems such as the MyShake and ShakeAlert apps, which provide early warnings across much of California. During an earthquake, safety experts advise the “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” method—drop to the ground to prevent falling, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops.
Avoid doorways, windows, and exterior walls, and never try to run outside during strong shaking. After the tremor, check for gas leaks, downed power lines, and structural damage before re-entering buildings. Historically, Fresno County has seen stronger activity, including the 4.3 magnitude quake near Coalinga earlier this year. Experts emphasize that while climate and groundwater extraction may influence ground stability, there is no confirmed scientific link between these factors and increased seismicity in the county. In summary, there was no confirmed earthquake in Fresno County on Monday night, but the area remains seismically active.
Residents are encouraged to stay alert and treat every small tremor as a reminder of California’s dynamic and ever-shifting landscape.