Whitney Portal Area Evacuated Due to Wildfire

News Release
US Forest Service
Inyo National Forest
Contacts: Nancy Upham (760) 873-2427

Bishop, CA (July 15, 2009)...A small wildfire near the Whitney Portal Campground west of Lone Pine overnight caused the entire Whitney Portal area to be evacuated early Wednesday morning. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Whitney Fire was reported at approximately 9:15 pm on July 14 by a camper in the area. It is located near the Whitney Portal Campground, adjacent to the Whitney Portal road, approximately 13 miles west of Lone Pine. The fire burned approximately 1/2 acre before being 100% contained just after 1 am on July 15. Firefighters are expected to remain on scene of the fire throughout the day on Wednesday mopping up hot spots.

As a precaution, the Whitney Portal area was evacuated by Inyo County Sheriff’s personnel at the request of the Inyo National Forest. The Whitney Portal Campground and summer recreation residences were evacuated late Tuesday night, but residents and visitors were allowed to return to the area at approximately 7 am on Wednesday morning, after the fire was contained. The Whitney Portal area is now open for all visitors.

Responding to the fire were personnel and engines from the Lone Pine Volunteer Fire Department, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire), Bureau of Land Management, and the Inyo National Forest. Approximately 40 personnel were assigned to the fire.

For more information, please contact Mary Loan at 873-2580.