Re: Clark Fire and Rock Creek Fire Updates

The Clark Fire is 2,828 acres and is 50% contained. The fire is located east of Highway 395 near Bald Mountain and was started by lightning on August 4th. Crews today will prep Forest Service roads to secure the fire perimeter along the north and east flanks of the fire. This flank is the most active; driven by winds. The fire was less active last night except along the northeast flank. There are six hand crews, 14 engines, two air tankers, three helicopters, air attack and a lead plane, and a two dozers assigned to the fire. There are 254 people assigned to the incident.

Clark Canyon, a popular climbing area, has been evacuated. There are several Forest Service roads that lead to the Bald Mountain area and visitors should avoid these roads and the fire area for their safety and firefighter safety.

The Rock Creek Fire is estimated to be 185 acres and 5% contained. Down canyon winds last night pushed the fire south beyond the containment line towards Swall Meadows. The fire response today will focus on securing the southern flank of the fire and then using that as an anchor to secure the open fireline. This fire is burning in brush, cheat grass, pinyon pine, and juniper. Continuous fine fuels from the cheat grass and winds allow this fire to grow quickly. Parts of Swall Meadows have been evacuated and remaining residents are under an evacuation advisory. Four crews, 15 engines, 2 helicopters, and 2 air tankers, 3 water tenders, and a dozer are assigned to the incident.

Lower Rock Creek Road is closed between Swall Meadows and Highway 395. The fire is under investigation but appears to be human caused.

Low relative humidity and afternoon winds continue to be concern for both fires.

A Type II team has been ordered due to increased fire activity on the Inyo andthe additional needs for firefighters and their support. The Central Coast Team in-briefs today and will shadow the local Type 3 IMT.

Rock Creek Fire: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4928/
Clark Fire: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4927/

fire fight in the first hour of the Rock Creek Fire

The Rock Creek Fire is estimated to be 122 acres and 20% contained. The decrease in acreage is a result of more accurate mapping. Last night, strong northern winds challenged the southern portion of the fire that continues to push towards the Swall Meadows area. Today, crews will continue to construct direct line, patrol and mop up along the perimeter.

Swall Meadows was evacuated on August 5, 2016. Ingrid Braun, Mono County Sheriff, will notify locals regarding repopulation, via the Red Code System by 4:00 p.m. today. This will be dependent on local wind events and fire conditions. Lower Rock Creek Road is closed between Swall Meadows and Highway 395. The fire is under investigation but appears to be human caused.

Low relative humidity and afternoon winds continue to be concern for both fires.


The Clark Fire is 3,030 acres and is 60% contained. The fire is located east of Highway 395 near Bald Mountain and was started by lightning on August 4th. Crews today will continue to construct direct line and pick up any spots that may occur along the northeast flank. The crews will also monitor the burning of interior islands of unburned fuel. There are 8 hand crews, 14 engines, 2 air tankers, 5 helicopters, air attack and a lead plane, and a 1 dozer assigned to the fire. There are 389 people assigned to the incident.

Clark Canyon, a popular climbing area, has been evacuated. There are several Forest Service roads that lead to the Bald Mountain area and visitors should avoid these roads and the fire area for their safety and firefighter safety.

The Central Coast Team arrived yesterday. They in-briefed and shadowed the local Type 3 IMT and took over management of the fire this morning at 6:00 a.m.

The evacuation of Swall Meadows was lifted on August 7th at 6:00 PM. The Old Sherwin Grade Road was reopened on August 9th at 6:00 PM.