The Georges Fire (lightning-caused) is currently at 2,883 acres and is 42% contained. Today, management of the fire transitioned to a local Type 4 team, comprised of your local firefighters from the Inyo National Forest. The complexity of the fire has diminished due to increased containment, favorable weather, and precipitation over the fire. Crews will continue suppression repair and patrol. Much of the fireline of the Georges Fire is in steep, inaccessible terrain. Firefighters cannot safely gauge if these areas are contained or if pockets of heat still remain. However, the monsoonal moisture has substantially diminished the fire activity.
Moist air will remain in place through the weekend, keeping humidity well above critical thresholds. Moisture will fuel thunderstorms each afternoon, which may produce gusty winds.
The Georges Fire started on July 8th in an area north of Lone Pine, west of Manzanar National Historic Site, and south of Bairs Creek. Due to fire activity, the Whitney Portal area was evacuated and closed for two days. No structures have been destroyed.
SoCal Incident Management Team 3 and its Commander, Mike Wakoski, would like to take the opportunity to thank the local communities, visitors, and backcountry users for their support and patience during the fire. At this time, 271 personnel remain assigned to the incident, including 8 crews, 7 engines, 1 helicopter, and 4 water tenders.
Cooperators: CAL FIRE, Inyo County Sheriffs, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Inyo County Road Department, Big Pine Fire Department, California Highway Patrol, Inyo County Emergency Management Department.