Bishop Creek Canyon Recreation Area Re-Opens

Forks Fire Update
Tuesday July 21, 2009 - 4:00 pm

At 5:00 this afternoon, Tuesday July 21, the Bishop Creek Recreation Area will be re-opened to the public. Highway 168 will re-open to all traffic and the voluntary evacuation order for Starlite will be lifted. The popular recreation area was closed and evacuated over the weekend due to the Forks Fire.

At 5:00 all campgrounds will be re-opened except for Bitterbrush Campground, which is currently being used as a staging area for the fire suppression efforts. Although Highway 168 will be open to traffic, all drivers are urged to drive with extreme caution and to watch for falling rocks and debris from the burn area. Dirt roads that access the burn area will remain closed to all access while suppression efforts continue and needs for burned area rehabilitation are being assessed.

During these final suppression efforts emergency vehicles will be travelling the roads and could be parked alongside the highway. Please slow down and use caution while driving around any emergency vehicles or firefighters.

The Inyo National Forest would like to thank everyone who has cooperated in the suppression of the Forks Fire, as well as all the residents, business owners, special use permit holders, and the recreating public from Bishop Creek Canyon who have cooperated and supported the efforts of the firefighters.

For updated Fire Information please call 760-873-2503.