Horseshoe Fire Grows to 110 Acres

The Horseshoe Fire started yesterday afternoon towards the top of the Horseshoe Meadow Road, just east of the developed recreation campgrounds, near Last Chance Meadow. It is estimated to be 110 acres and 10% contained. The fire grew rapidly, driven by terrain, wind, and dry conditions. However, the fire behavior moderated last night and crews were able to begin line construction around the fire. The warm, dry conditions and afternoon winds will be a concern for today. The fire is burning at 9,000 feet in elevation in mountain mahogany, lodgepole pine, and sage.

The developments of the Horseshoe Meadows area are threatened by the fire. There is a mandatory evacuation of Horseshoe Meadows Campgrounds (Cottonwood Lakes, Cottonwood Pass, the Horseshoe Equestrian Camp, and Thatcher Camp) – hikers and campers will be escorted out. The Cottonwood Pass and Cottonwood Lakes Trailheads are closed and the forest has suspended issuing permits for the popular trailheads at this time. There is also a hard closure of Lubkin Canyon Road and Horseshoe Meadows Road.

Responding agencies include Inyo National Forest, Inyo Sheriff’s Office, Lone Pine Fire, Bishop Fire, Independence, CalFire, BLM, CHP, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. There are numerous hand crews, engines, air tankers, helicopters, air attack and lead planes assigned to the incident. There are approximately 100 people assigned to the incident.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Fire personnel with the Horseshoe Fire will be allowing limited entrance to Horseshoe Meadows for those people who have a demonstrated need to be in the area. This would include people that need to retrieve their vehicle from trailhead parking, people who were unable to collect their personal camping equipment during the evacuation, those picking up hikers with stock, or those who have stock in the area that need care.