High Sierra Topix

The Lions Fire is estimated to be 6,530 acres and 60% contained, showing 1,074 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. The Lions Fire did not see any measurable precipitation yesterday.

Crews continue burning operations along the northeast flank of the fire (south of Fern Lake) to strengthen the control line and improve a buffer to keep the main fire from spotting into King Creek and further protecting Devils Postpile National Monument, Reds Meadow, and Mammoth Lakes. Along the western flank, crews continue to clear trail networks and tie them into rock barriers for new containment lines. Helicopters are supporting them by cooling the fire’s edge with water drops.

Fire activity includes short duration crown runs, group torching, flanking, and backing. The area has seen approximately 50% tree mortality from bark beetles.

The Lions Fire currently has 116 total personnel assigned, including six crews and four helicopters. Resources continue to arrive, including the Inyo Hotshots and Del Rosa Hotshots.
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.

Both the Owens Fire (312 acres) and the Hot Creek Fire (436 acres) remain at 80% contained.

The Owens Fire is located along the Owens River Road, which is east of Hwy. 395 in the June Lake area.

The Hot Creek Fire is burning near Hot Creek, east of the Mammoth Lakes Airport. This fire has been determined to be on Bureau of Land Management, Bishop Field Office and Inyo National Forest land.

Both have been determined to be lightning-caused fires.

Fire activity on both fires is minimal. Both fires have dozer and handline completed around them. Crews continue mopping up; the process of cooling hot spots with water within the fire perimeter. Crews start near the edge of the fire and work interior (if safe) to find areas such as stumps or logs that may retain heat. This is a slow, deliberate process to help contain the fire.

As of 6:00 pm tonight, the road closures (Owens River Road between Big Springs Campground and Cashbaugh Ranch, Antelope Springs Road (3S05) between Cashbaugh Ranch and Antelope Springs) will be lifted.

At 6:00 pm tonight, the evacuation advisors will be lifted. This includes the Big Springs Campground, Inaja Ranch, and the Arcularius Ranch.

Fire crews remain in the area, so please drive slowly for your and their safety.

Thanks to the response 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.

The next update will be when there is something significant to report.