Fire crews are responding to the Bars Fire, detected near Olancha Pass yesterday (9/19). This appears to be a hold-over lightning-caused fire from last week’s storm. The fire is holding approximately .25 acre today. The fire is burning in sagebrush, pinyon/juniper and white fir. Crews are using trail systems and natural barriers for containment using Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics (MIST) to help protect wilderness character. A few structures are nearby in the Sage Flat area. Crews are making direct contact with home owners and evaluating and implementing a structure protection plan as needed. Unsettled weather is a concern for the next few days, with strong, gusty winds in the forecast.
There are no evacuations in place at this time. Smoke may be visible off Highway 395 west of Olancha.