High Sierra Topix

Crews are responding to two new fires on or near the Inyo National Forest. Both are east of Hwy. 395.

The Owens Fire is estimated to be 500 acres. It is burning along the Owens River Road, which is east of the June Lake area. The fire grew rapidly with strong winds and is burning predominately in sagebrush. Crews, engines, and dozers have responded and have been supported by aircraft with water and retardant drops.

The Owens River Road is closed. There is an evacuation advisory for Big Springs Campground, Inaja Ranch, and the Arcularius Ranch.

The Hot Creek Fire is burning near Hot Creek, east of the Mammoth Lakes Airport. It is estimated to be 500 acres. It was also pushed by gusty winds in sagebrush. There are numerous crews, engines, and a dozer committed as well as aircraft support.

The Antelope Road and the Hot Creek Road are closed. Please avoid the fire areas so the firefighters can safely respond to the fire.

More resources are on order.

Crews will staff these fires throughout the night in an effort to start containing these fires. They hope to take advantage of the evening when winds typically die down in the Eastern Sierra.

Both fires are highly visible from Hwy. 395. There was substantial thunderstorms activity in the area.

Response is from numerous local agencies.

The Owens Fire is estimated to be 312 acres and 80% contained. It is located along the Owens River Road, which is east of Hwy. 395 in the June Lake area. Last night crews made excellent progress getting initial containment with dozers and crews. Today, they will continue to improve this line and begin mop operations along the edge.

The Owens River Road is closed between Big Springs Campground and Cashbaugh Ranch. There is an evacuation advisory for Big Springs Campground, Inaja Ranch, and the Arcularius Ranch.

The Hot Creek Fire is burning near Hot Creek, east of the Mammoth Lakes Airport. It is estimated to be 436 acres at 80% contained. Crews were also able to get initial containment line around the fire, which they will improve today and begin mop-up.

The Antelope Springs Road (3S05) is closed between Cashbaugh Ranch and Antelope Springs.

Please avoid the fire areas so the firefighters can safely respond to the fire.

Both fires are highly visible from Hwy. 395. Weather remains hot and dry with the potential for thunderstorms in the afternoon.

Response is from numerous local agencies including Bureau of Land Management - California, CAL FIRE San Bernardino/Inyo/Mono Unit, Mono County Sheriff's Office, and numerous local fire agencies, including Mammoth Lakes Fire Department.

The Lions Fire is estimated to be 5,456 acres and 72% contained, showing 361 acres of growth yesterday. Fire activity remains on the western flank, where the fire moved into heavier fuels and has spread upslope along the Cargyle Creek Drainage on the Sierra National Forest. Similar fire activity is expected today.

Crews initiated burning operations along the northeast flank of the fire (south of Fern Lake) to create a blackline to remove fuels in front of the main fire. Along the western flank, crews are looking to use trail networks and rock barriers for new containment lines. Helicopters are supporting them by cooling the fire’s edge with water drops.

Fire behavior is moderate to high intensity where uphill, wind-driven growth is occurring. The area has seen approximately 50% tree mortality from bark beetles.

The Lions Fire currently has 111 total personnel assigned, including four crews and four helicopters. Resources continue to arrive.

Warm and dry conditions remain in the forecast with the potential for continued thunderstorms for the next several days.

The Reds Meadow Road and all services in the Reds Meadow Valley, including Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls, remain open.

Closures: There is an emergency trail closure for the Fern Lake and Beck Lake Trails on the Inyo National Forest and emergency trail closures and a Forest Order to close the area on the Sierra National Forest (west of the North Fork of the San Joaquin River, north of the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River and South of Iron Creek).

Smoke: Smoke from the Lions Fire is visible along the Reds Meadow Road (Minaret Vista, Devils Postpile National Monument), Mammoth Mountain, and the Town of Mammoth Lakes. Significant fire activity from numerous fires throughout the state is affecting air quality in the Eastern Sierra.

More than 100 people attended a community meeting yesterday at the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center. There was an update on the fire situation and air quality issues. An informal question and answer session brought the meeting to a close.