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Lions Fire Update 8/15/18

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avatar Lions Fire Update
July 26, 2018 04:45PM
The Lions Fire is estimated to be 4,124 acres and 85% contained. The new growth is in the Cargyle Creek area, south of Corral Meadow, on the Sierra National Forest. The fire grew approximately 60 acres in size since it was reported to be active again. It is burning along the west flank in the Cargyle Creek drainage. The Lions Fire had been inactive for several weeks. The fire is showing slow to moderate rates of growth and is burning in heavy fuels of dead and down and snag (standing dead trees) patches. The fire was active through much of last night and similar behavior is expected today.

Inyo National Forest’s Crew 2 and other local resources have been flown in to establish containment lines. They are looking for options to contain the fire as quickly as possible while considering firefighter safety in steep terrain and heavy fuels in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. There are two helicopters dedicated to the incident. More resources are on order.

The area has seen some rain and lightning in the recent days. Warmer and drier conditions are in the forecast, but there is still the potential for lightning and showers in the area. There is currently no threat to life or property. Smoke may be visible from Minaret Vista, Devils Postpile, Mammoth Mountain, and areas along the Reds Meadow Road.
avatar Lions Fire Update
July 29, 2018 03:28PM
The Lions Fire is estimated to be 4,415 acres and 92% contained. It showed 138 acres of growth yesterday. Fire activity is primarily on the western flank, where the fire continued to back into the Cargyle Creek Drainage on the Sierra National Forest. Today firefighters are looking to suppress the fire through confine and contain strategies, looking for indirect handline in the steep, inaccessible areas. Crews have numerous rock barriers that they can use to help build this line. Crews are also looking for locations to completing burning operations to create a blackline to remove fuels in front of the fire. Their current focus in the northeast flank from Fern Lake to Iron Mountain to secure that fireline to protect the developed areas in the Reds Meadow Valley.

Fire behavior remains low to moderate intensity with occasional tree torching. The area has seen approximately 50% tree mortality from bark beetles.

National fire activity has increased immensely and the nation is now at a preparedness level of 5. The Lions Fire currently has 106 total personnel assigned, including four crews and three helicopters. More resources are on order.

Warmer and drier conditions are in the forecast, but there is still the potential for lightning and showers in the area.

Closures: There is an emergency trail closure for the Fern Lake and Beck Lake Trails on the Inyo National Forest and emergency trail closures and a Forest Order to close the area on the Sierra National Forest (west of the North Fork of the San Joaquin River, north of the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River and South of Iron Creek). Please see the attached closure order.

There is currently no threat to life or property. The Reds Meadow Road and all services in the Reds Meadow Valley, including Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls, remain open. Smoke may be visible from Minaret Vista, Devils Postpile National Monument, Mammoth Mountain, areas along the Reds Meadow Road, and the Town of Mammoth Lakes. The Ferguson Fire to the north and west has been impacting the area with smoke as well.
avatar Lions Fire Update
August 02, 2018 12:44PM
The Lions Fire is estimated to be 6,530 acres and 60% contained, showing 1,074 acres of growth yesterday. Fire activity remains on the western flank, where the fire moved into heavier fuels and has spread upslope along the Cargyle Creek Drainage on the Sierra National Forest. Similar fire activity is expected today. The Lions Fire did not see any measurable precipitation yesterday.

Crews continue burning operations along the northeast flank of the fire (south of Fern Lake) to strengthen the control line and improve a buffer to keep the main fire from spotting into King Creek and further protecting Devils Postpile National Monument, Reds Meadow, and Mammoth Lakes. Along the western flank, crews continue to clear trail networks and tie them into rock barriers for new containment lines. Helicopters are supporting them by cooling the fire’s edge with water drops.

Fire activity includes short duration crown runs, group torching, flanking, and backing. The area has seen approximately 50% tree mortality from bark beetles.

The Lions Fire currently has 116 total personnel assigned, including six crews and four helicopters. Resources continue to arrive, including the Inyo Hotshots and Del Rosa Hotshots.

Warm and dry conditions remain in the forecast with the potential for continued thunderstorms for the next several days.

The Reds Meadow Road and all services in the Reds Meadow Valley, including Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls, remain open.

Closures: There is an emergency trail closure for the Fern Lake and Beck Lake Trails on the Inyo National Forest and emergency trail closures and a Forest Order to close the area on the Sierra National Forest (west of the North Fork of the San Joaquin River, north of the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River and South of Iron Creek).

Smoke: Smoke from the Lions Fire is visible along the Reds Meadow Road (Minaret Vista, Devils Postpile National Monument), Mammoth Mountain, and the Town of Mammoth Lakes. Significant fire activity from numerous fires throughout the state is affecting air quality in the Eastern Sierra.
avatar Lions Fire Update
August 06, 2018 12:38PM
The Lions Fire is estimated at 7,889 acres with 65% containment, showing an increase of 340 acres. There are 170 personnel committed to the fire, including 7 crews, 4 helicopters, and a pack string of mules from the Stanislaus National Forest. The fire remains on the western flank in the Cargyle Creek drainage of the Sierra National Forest. Similar fire activity is expected today.

Fire crews continue to make progress constructing direct and indirect fireline along the southwest and west flanks in an effort to keep the fire from crossing the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River. Along the western flank, crews are using trail networks and rock barriers for containment lines. Helicopters are supporting them by cooling the fire’s edge with water drops as air conditions permit. The fireline along the northeast flank of the fire remains secure (south of Fern Lake). Burning operations will continue in this northeast section to strengthen the fireline as conditions allow. This focused effort protects developed areas in Devils Postpile National Monument, Reds Meadow, and Mammoth Lakes.

There has been 50% tree mortality from bark beetles and drought conditions in this area. Yesterday’s observed fire activity included moderate backing, flanking, and single-tree torching. In the south and west flanks the fire is moving downslope.

Hot and dry conditions remain in the forecast with light easterly winds expected for this evening. There is a significant warming and drying trend predicted for this week.

The Reds Meadow Road and all services in the Reds Meadow Valley, including Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls, remain open.

Closures: There is an emergency trail closure for the Fern Lake and Beck Lake Trails on the Inyo National Forest and emergency trail closures and a Forest Order to close the area on the Sierra National Forest (west of the North Fork of the San Joaquin River, north of the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River and South of Iron Creek).
avatar Lions Fire Update
August 07, 2018 04:03PM
The Lions Fire is estimated at 8,138 acres with 65% containment, for an increase of 249 acres. There are 200 personnel committed to the fire, including 7 crews, 4 helicopters, and a pack string of mules from the Stanislaus National Forest. The south and east flanks of the fire have been inactive and contained for some time. The northeast flank has been secured through line construction and burnout operations, crews continue strategic burning to lessen the intensity of uphill growth from the main fire. The fire remains active along the southwest flank and crews here are focused on completing hand line that will prevent the fire from crossing the North Fork of the San Joaquin River with direct and indirect tactics (based upon safety); using trail networks and natural barriers where possible. Along the northwest flank, the fire is moving into sparse fuels and cliffs. Most of the smoke production is from the burnout of interior islands of unburned fuel. The fire continues to slowly grow to the west.

Yesterday’s observed fire activity included moderate backing, flanking, and single-tree torching. There has been 50% tree mortality from bark beetles and drought in this area. These conditions, along with blowdown from a 2011 wind event, have contributed to a buildup of heavy fuels, creating difficult fire fighting conditions.

Hot and dry conditions remain in the forecast with light southwest winds expected for today, changing to east winds in the afternoon. There is a significant warming and drying trend predicted for this week.

The Reds Meadow Road and all services in the Reds Meadow Valley, including Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls, remain open.

Closures: There is an emergency trail closure for the Fern Lake and Beck Lake Trails on the Inyo National Forest and emergency trail closures and a Forest Order to close the area on the Sierra National Forest (west of the North Fork of the San Joaquin River, north of the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River and South of Iron Creek).

Smoke: See the smoke outlook report or visit https://airnow.gov/
avatar Lions Fire Update 8/8/18
August 08, 2018 05:29PM
The Lions Fire is estimated at 8,484 acres with 70% containment, for an increase of 346 acres. There are 178 personnel committed to the fire, including 6 crews, 4 helicopters, and a pack string of mules from the Stanislaus National Forest. The south and east flanks of the fire have been inactive and contained for some time. The northeast flank has been secured through line construction and burnout operations. Yesterday crews completed their strategic burning activities here.

The fire remains active along the southwest flank and crews here are focused on completing hand line that will prevent the fire from crossing the North Fork of the San Joaquin River with direct and indirect tactics (based upon safety); using trail networks and natural barriers where possible. Along the northwest flank, the fire is moving into sparse fuels and cliffs. Most of the smoke production is from the burnout of interior islands of unburned fuel. The fire continues to slowly grow to the west.

Yesterday’s observed fire activity included moderate fire behavior with backing, flanking, and creeping. There has been 50% tree mortality from bark beetles and drought in this area. These conditions, along with blowdown from a 2011 wind event, have contributed to a buildup of heavy fuels, creating difficult fire fighting conditions.

Hot and dry conditions remain in the forecast with light southwest winds expected for today, and gusty winds in the afternoon. There is a significant warming and drying trend predicted for this week.

The Reds Meadow Road and all services in the Reds Meadow Valley, including Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls, remain open.

Closures: There is an emergency trail closure for the Fern Lake and Beck Lake Trails on the Inyo National Forest and emergency trail closures and a Forest Order to close the area on the Sierra National Forest (west of the North Fork of the San Joaquin River, north of the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River and South of Iron Creek).

Smoke: See the smoke outlook report or visit https://airnow.gov/
avatar Lions Fire Update 8/9/18
August 09, 2018 04:02PM
The Lions Fire is estimated at 8,711acres with 70% containment, for an increase of 227 acres. There are 178 personnel committed to the fire, including 6 crews, 4 helicopters, and a pack string of mules from the Stanislaus National Forest. The northeast, east, and southern flanks of the fire are contained. All burning activities on northeast flank are completed.

Crews remain focused on creating containment lines along the southwest flank, where the fire has been active for the past several days challenging containment lines with wind driven growth. Crews are completing direct and indirect hand line in an effort to keep the fire from crossing the North Fork of the San Joaquin River using trail networks and natural barriers where possible. Along the northwest flank, the fire is moving into sparse fuels and cliffs. Yesterday’s observed fire activity included moderate fire behavior with single tree torching, backing, and some uphill growth. This area has 50% tree mortality from bark beetles and drought in this area. These conditions, along with blowdown from a 2011 wind event, have contributed to a buildup of heavy fuels, creating difficult fire fighting conditions.

Hot and dry conditions remain in the forecast with light southwest winds expected for today, and gusty winds in the afternoon. There is a significant warming and drying trend predicted for this week. Isolated thunderstorms are expected to begin near the fire as early as Friday.

The Reds Meadow Road and all services in the Reds Meadow Valley, including Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls, remain open.

Closures: There is an emergency trail closure for the Fern Lake and Beck Lake Trails on the Inyo National Forest and emergency trail closures and a Forest Order to close the area on the Sierra National Forest (west of the North Fork of the San Joaquin River, north of the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River and South of Iron Creek).

Smoke: See the smoke outlook report or visit https://airnow.gov/
avatar Lions Fire Update 8/10/18
August 10, 2018 12:16PM
The Lions Fire is estimated at 8,779 acres with 70% containment, for an increase of 68 acres. However, the fire could not be accurately mapped due to smoke inversion and growth is likely greater than what mapping reflects. There are 154 personnel committed to the fire, including 4 crews, and 4 helicopters.

The northeast, east, and southern flanks of the fire are contained. Along the northwest flank, the fire is moving into sparse fuels and cliffs. Crews remain focused on creating containment lines along the southwest flank, where the fire has been active for the past several days challenging containment lines with wind driven growth. Crews are completing direct and indirect hand line in an effort to keep the fire from crossing the North Fork of the San Joaquin River using trail networks and natural barriers where possible. Crews are scouting indirect fireline along the wilderness boundary from Green Mountain south toward Cattle Mountain. This will serve as a contingency line in case the fire does cross the North Fork of the San Joaquin River.

Yesterday’s observed fire activity included moderate fire behavior with single tree torching, backing, and some uphill growth. This area has 50% tree mortality from bark beetles and drought in this area. These conditions, along with blowdown from a 2011 wind event, have contributed to a buildup of heavy fuels, creating difficult fire fighting conditions.

Hot and dry conditions remain in the forecast with light southwest winds expected for today, and gusty winds in the afternoon. There is a significant warming and drying trend predicted for this week. Isolated thunderstorms are expected to begin near the fire as early as Friday.

The Reds Meadow Road and all services in the Reds Meadow Valley, including Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls, remain open.

Closures: There is an emergency trail closure for the Fern Lake and Beck Lake Trails on the Inyo National Forest and emergency trail closures and a Forest Order to close the area on the Sierra National Forest (west of the North Fork of the San Joaquin River, north of the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River and South of Iron Creek).

Smoke: See the smoke outlook report or visit https://airnow.gov/
avatar Lions Fire Update 8/13/18
August 13, 2018 02:48PM
The Lions Fire is estimated at 9,962 acres with 70% containment. However, the fire could not be accurately mapped due to smoke inversion and growth is likely greater than what mapping reflects. There are 194 personnel committed to the fire, including 6 crews, and 4 helicopters. The northeast, east, and southern flanks of the fire are contained. These areas will be patrolled by aircraft. Along the northwest flank, the fire is moving into sparse fuels and cliffs. The fire continued to back downslope toward the North Fork of the San Joaquin River and burning north towards Earthquake Meadows. Yesterday the fire exhibited moderate fire behavior with backing, and flanking. Thunderstorms in the area showed little influence on fire behavior.

Crews remain focused on creating containment lines along the southwest flank, where the fire has been active for the past several days challenging containment lines with wind driven growth. Personnel have also started constructing indirect fireline along the wilderness boundary from Green Mountain south toward Cattle Mountain. This will serve as a contingency line in case the fire does cross the North Fork of the San Joaquin River.

Sierra and Inyo National Forests decided to order a National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) team to take over control of the Lions fire with a transition this Tuesday, 8/14. The Incident Command Post and majority of support functions will all move to the Bass Lake Ranger District of the Sierra NF within the next few days. With the westward movement of the fire, access and support of the firefighters will be easier from the west. The NIMO team is skilled at managing complex fires and will provide relief to the Inyo National Forest Type 3 team that has been managing the fire since its start.

This area has 50% tree mortality from mountain pine beetles and drought in this area. These conditions, along with blowdown from a 2011 wind event, have contributed to a buildup of heavy fuels, creating difficult fire fighting conditions. Moisture and instability will increase through the beginning of the week, resulting in chances for thunderstorms along the sierra crest. Winds are expected to be light today out of the southwest becoming gusty in the afternoon.

The Reds Meadow Road and all services in the Reds Meadow Valley, including Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls, remain open.

Closures: There is an emergency trail closure for the Fern Lake and Beck Lake Trails on the Inyo National Forest and emergency trail closures and a Forest Order to close the area on the Sierra National Forest (west of the North Fork of the San Joaquin River, north of the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River and South of Iron Creek).

Smoke: See the smoke outlook report or visit https://airnow.gov/
avatar Lions Fire Update 8/14/18
August 14, 2018 12:17PM
The Lions Fire is estimated at 10,002 acres with 70% containment for a growth of 40 acres. However, the fire could not be accurately mapped due to smoke inversion and growth is likely greater than what mapping reflects. There are 261 personnel committed to the fire, including 6 crews, and 4 helicopters. The fire continued to back downslope toward the North Fork of the San Joaquin River and burning north towards Earthquake Meadows. Yesterday the fire exhibited moderate fire behavior with backing, and flanking. Thunderstorms in the area showed little influence on fire behavior.

Crews remain focused on creating containment lines along the southwest flank, where the fire has been active for the past several days challenging containment lines with wind driven growth. Personnel also continue constructing indirect fireline along the wilderness boundary from Green Mountain south toward Cattle Mountain. This will serve as a contingency line in case the fire does cross the North Fork of the San Joaquin River. The northeast, east, and southern flanks of the fire are contained. These areas will be patrolled by aircraft. Along the northwest flank, the fire continues to move into sparse fuels and cliffs.

The National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) team has transitioned into the command role of the Lions Fire with the transition occurring at 6:00 this morning. The Type 3 organization that is in place will continue to work with the NIMO team.

This area has 50% tree mortality from mountain pine beetles and drought. Combined with the very steep terrain this creates very difficult fire fighting conditions. Moisture and instability will remain in the area until Wednesday with the chance for thunderstorms along the sierra crest. Conditions will return to hot and dry for the remainder of the week, allowing for the possibility of increased fire behavior. Winds are expected to be light today out of the southwest becoming gusty in the afternoon.

All services on the Sierra and Inyo National Forests and Devils Postpile National Monument remain open.

Closures: There is an emergency trail closure for the Fern Lake and Beck Lake Trails on the Inyo National Forest and emergency trail closures and a Forest Order to close the area on the Sierra National Forest (west of the North Fork of the San Joaquin River, north of the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River and South of Iron Creek).

Smoke: See the smoke outlook report or visit https://airnow.gov/
avatar Lions Fire Update 8/15/18
August 15, 2018 05:24PM
Clovis, CA., August 15, 2018 - Yesterday, fire crews concentrated on the northwest edge of the fire between Earthquake Meadow and Trail Camp keeping the fire east of the North Fork of the San Joaquin River. Aircraft supported the ground crews in their operations until a thunderstorm grounded the aircraft mid-afternoon. No smoke has been seen coming from the containment line on the eastern portion of the fire. This area is continually monitored by aircraft for any activity.

The Lions Fire is estimated at 10,004 acres with 70% containment and has not had any growth since yesterday. There are 175 personnel committed to the fire, including 5 crews, and 5 helicopters.

The fire continued to back downslope toward the North Fork of the San Joaquin River and burning north towards Earthquake Meadows. Yesterday the fire exhibited low activity. Thunderstorms in the area showed little influence on fire behavior and the fire received very little rain. The rain that did fall was on the east side of the fire.

Crews remain focused on creating containment lines along the western portion of the fire located in the North Fork of the San Joaquin river drainage. This is where the fire has been active for the past several days. Personnel will also continue constructing a fire line along the wilderness boundary from Green Mountain south toward Cattle Mountain. This will serve as a contingency line in case the fire does cross the North Fork of the San Joaquin River. The northeast, east, and southern flanks of the fire are contained. These areas will be patrolled by aircraft. Along the northwest flank, Spano Meadow to Fern Lake, the fire continues to move into sparse fuels and cliffs.

This area has 50% tree mortality from mountain pine beetles and drought. Combined with the very steep terrain this creates very difficult firefighting conditions. Moisture and instability will remain in the area today with the chance for thunderstorms along the sierra crest. Conditions will return to hot and dry for the remainder of the week, allowing for the possibility of increased fire behavior. Winds are expected to be light today out of the south becoming gusty in the afternoon.

Closures: There is an emergency trail closure for the Fern Lake and Beck Lake Trails on the Inyo National Forest and emergency trail closures and a Forest Order to close the area on the Sierra National Forest (west of the North Fork of the San Joaquin River, north of the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River and South of Iron Creek).

Smoke: See the smoke outlook report or visit https://airnow.gov/
avatar Lions Fire Update 8/16/18
August 16, 2018 01:46PM
North Fork, Calif. - August 16, 2018 - Last night the fire was flown by aircraft using infrared imaging to get an accurate location and intensity of the fire. This information will be utilized to make more accurate maps of the fire lines and help in making tactical decisions. Smoke conditions increased yesterday with increased fire activity along the Spano Meadow to Naked Lady to Earthquake Meadow line. The Lions Fire is currently estimated at 10,922 acres with 70% containment. There are 172 personnel committed to the fire, including 5 crews and 5 helicopters.

Fire crews remain committed to creating, improving and maintaining containment lines along the western portion of the fire between Earthquake Meadow and Trail Camp in the North Fork of the San Joaquin river drainage. Crews are committed to keeping the fire on the east side of the river. Personnel will also continue constructing a contingency line along the wilderness boundary from Green Mountain south toward Cattle Mountain.The fire along the Spano Meadow to Naked Lady to Earthquake Meadow line showed moderate, with short running, fire activity. This created a visible increase in smoke coming from the fire. Between Earthquake Meadow and Trail Camp, the fire continued to back downslope toward the North Fork of the San Joaquin River.

The northeast, east, and southern flanks of the fire are contained. These areas will be patrolled by aircraft daily to verify there is no fire activity along these lines. The area to the south and west of the North Fork of the San Joaquin river has 50% tree mortality from mountain pine beetles and drought. Combined with the very steep terrain this creates very difficult firefighting conditions.

Winds are expected to increase today out of the southwest becoming gusty in the afternoon. Drier conditions are expected for the remainder of the week, allowing for the possibility of increased fire behavior that will also have a visible increase in smoke that could impact Devil’s Postpile, Mono Basin, June Lake, Mammoth Lakes and Owens Valley.

Closures: There is an emergency trail closure for the Fern Lake and Beck Lake Trails on the Inyo National Forest and emergency trail closures and a Forest Order to close the area on the Sierra National Forest (west of the North Fork of the San Joaquin River, north of the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River and South of Iron Creek).

Smoke: See the smoke outlook report or visit https://airnow.gov/
avatar Lions Fire Update 8/18/18
August 18, 2018 04:09PM
  • Incident Start Date: 6/11/2018 Cause: Lightning Size: 10,765 acres Containment: 70%
  • Incident Type: Full Suppression Vegetation Type: Brush and timber
  • Resources Assigned: Engines: 0 Water Tenders: 0 Helicopters: 4 Crews: 5 Dozers: 0 Masticators: 0
  • Total Personnel: 157
Current Situation: Aircraft flew the fire again using infrared technology to obtain a better location of the fire. This allowed for more accurate mapping. The area along North Fork of the San Joaquin river drainage remains a priority. Ground crews continue to make progress improving and maintaining containment lines along the western portion of the fire between Sheep’s Crossing to Lilly Lake. Crews are committed to keeping the fire on the east side of the river. The fire along the Spano Meadow to Naked Lady to Earthquake Meadow line showed moderate, with short running fire activity. Between Earthquake Meadow and Trail Camp, the fire continued to back downslope toward the North Fork of the San Joaquin River. The fire is in a remote location and the rough terrain has been challenging for crews.

Smoky Conditions Remain in the Area: Information that is more detailed can be found at http://www.airnow.gov

Visitor Information: Visitors to the area should be mindful of posted speed limits when driving and watch out for firefighters, equipment, and road construction delays. The unique gateway communities of Sierra National Forest are open for visitors, including Bass Lake, south of Yosemite on Highway 41. The Sierra and Stanislaus National Forests have abundant outdoor recreation opportunities.

Today’s Plan: Ground crews will continue suppression efforts along the North Fork of the San Joaquin River in conjunction with aircraft support. Aircraft will also be used to monitor the fires perimeter. The Iron Creek Gaging station’s cabin, located north of Lilly Lake will be evaluated today for protection.

Closures and Restrictions: All services on the Sierra and Inyo National Forests and Devils Postpile National Monument remain open. The Inyo National Forest has implemented fire restrictions on all Inyo National Forest lands until further notice. The following restrictions are in effect: No campfires, briquette barbeques, or stove fires are allowed outside designated developed recreation sites and specifically posted campsites or areas. No fireworks, including “safe and sane” fireworks. No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material

Road and Trail Closures: There is an emergency trail closure for the Fern Lake and Beck Lake Trails on the Inyo National Forest and emergency trail closures and a Forest Order to close the area on the Sierra National Forest (west of the North Fork of the San Joaquin River, north of the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River and South of Iron Creek).

Sierra National Forest: Fire Restrictions are in effect. Forest Order #05-15-00-18-14

U.S Forest Service: The Sierra National Forest Closures due to the Lion Fire can be found at the Sierra National Forest website.

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5850/
avatar Lions Fire Update Aug 20, 2018
August 20, 2018 03:00PM
Incident Start Date: 6/11/2018 Cause: Lightning Size: 11,254 acres Containment: 75%
Incident Type: Full Suppression Vegetation Type: Brush and timber
Resources Assigned: Engines:0 Water Tenders:0 Helicopters:5 Crews:6
Total Personnel: 200

Current Situation: The northwestern portion of the fire from Lily Lake to Naked Lady Meadow down to Earthquake Meadow heated up as gusty winds and lower humidity entered the area yesterday. A large column of smoke could be seen as the spot fire south of Iron Creek and the main body of the fire merged. Firefighters continue to improve the fire line on the west side of the fire, holding the fire to the east side of the North Fork of the San Joaquin River.

Smoky Conditions Remain in the Area: Smoke and fire, like wind and waterfalls are part of the Sierra’s natural environment. Mornings can be smoky and unhealthy when fires are burning in the area. Smoke conditions improve with elevation and distance away from the fire area. Information that is more detailed can be found at www.airnow.gov

Visitor Information: The unique gateway communities of the Sierra National Forest are open for visitors, including Bass Lake, south of Yosemite on Highway 41. The Sierra National Forest has abundant outdoor recreation opportunities available. Visitors to the area should be mindful of posted speed limits when driving and watch out for firefighters, equipment, and road construction delays on Sky Ranch road.

Today’s Plan: The east side of the North Fork of the San Joaquin River, north toward Lily Lake will continue to be worked with pumps and handling supported by aircraft. Aircraft will scout an area to fly crews into the northwest portion of the fire south of Lily Lake, to begin construction of containment lines. A mule pack string will be used to move supplies for 40 firefighters from Clover Meadow 3 miles north, to a new spike camp at “The Niche.” Aircraft will continue to support ground crews with water drops, and continuous monitoring of the fire. The area is expecting gusty winds and lower humidity again this afternoon.

Closures and Restrictions: All services on the Sierra and Inyo National Forests and Devils Postpile National Monument remain open. The Sierra and Inyo National Forests have implemented fire restrictions on all National Forest lands until further notice. The following restrictions are in effect: No campfires, briquette barbeques, or stove fires are allowed outside designated developed recreation sites, and specifically posted campsites or areas. No fireworks, including “safe and sane” fireworks. No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material

Road and Trail Closures: There is an emergency trail closure for the Fern Lake and Beck Lake Trails on the Inyo National Forest and emergency trail closures and a Forest Order to close the area on the Sierra National Forest (west of the North Fork of the San Joaquin River, north of the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River and South of Iron Creek)
avatar Lions Fire Update Aug 21, 2018
August 21, 2018 12:50PM
Incident Start Date: 6/11/2018 Cause: Lightning Size: 11,606 acres Containment: 75%
Incident Type: Full Suppression Vegetation Type: Brush and timber
Resources Assigned: Engines: 0 Water Tenders:0 Helicopters:5 Crews:6 Dozers:0 Masticators:0
Total Personnel: 211

Current Situation: Fire activity was moderate in the northwest portion of the fire in the Lily Lake, Naked Lady Meadow, Earthquake Meadow area. A new helispot was constructed between Lily Lake and Naked Lady Meadow and ground crews can now be safely flown into the area to start mitigating the fire in the northwest corner. Crews working on contingency lines on the west side of the North Fork of the San Joaquin River keep making progress. Aircraft continue to support suppression efforts with water drops and patrolling of the fire.

Smoky Conditions Remain in the Area: Smoke and fire, like wind and waterfalls are part of the Sierra’s natural environment. Mornings can be smoky and unhealthy when fires are burning in the area. Smoke conditions improve with elevation and distance away from the fire area. Information that is more detailed can be found at www.airnow.gov

Visitor Information: The unique gateway communities of the Sierra National Forest are open for visitors, including Bass Lake, south of Yosemite on Highway 41. The Sierra National Forest has abundant outdoor recreation opportunities available. Visitors to the area should be mindful of posted speed limits when driving and watch out for firefighters, equipment, and road construction delays on Sky Ranch road.

Today’s Plan: Crews will be flown into new helispot in the northwest portion of the fire and will begin to mitigate the fire west of Naked Lady Meadow. Aircraft will maintain their support of ground crews with continued water drops and monitoring the fire. The crews along the North Fork of the San Joaquin River from Sheep’s Crossing north to Lily Lake continue to use pumps and handlines to improve and maintain containment lines.

Closures and Restrictions: All services on the Sierra and Inyo National Forests and Devils Postpile National Monument remain open. The Sierra and Inyo National Forests have implemented fire restrictions on all National Forest lands until further notice. The following restrictions are in effect: No campfires, briquette barbeques, or stove fires are allowed outside designated developed recreation sites, and specifically posted campsites or areas. No fireworks, including “safe and sane” fireworks. No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material

Road and Trail Closures: There is an emergency trail closure for the Fern Lake and Beck Lake Trails on the Inyo National Forest and emergency trail closures and a Forest Order to close the area on the Sierra National Forest (west of the North Fork of the San Joaquin River, north of the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River and South of Iron Creek)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/23/2018 12:05PM by eeek.
avatar Lions Fire Update Aug 23, 2018
August 23, 2018 12:04PM
Incident Start Date: 6/11/2018 Cause: Lightning Size: 12,499 acres Containment: 75%
Incident Type: Full Suppression Vegetation Type: Brush and timber
Resources Assigned: Engines: 0 Water Tenders:0 Helicopters: 5 Crews: 6 Dozers: 0 Masticators: 0
Total Personnel: 223

Current Situation: Fire crews continued to work north toward Lily Lake mitigating the fuels between the fire and the North Fork of the San Joaquin River on the west side of the fire. Gusty winds continued to push the fire to the north of Iron Creek yesterday. Aircraft continue to suppress the fire north of Iron Creek with water drops and patrolling the perimeter of the fire.

Smoky Conditions Remain in the Area: Weather and wind conditions will continue into the weekend similar to what they have been the last couple of days. As a result the Air Quality Index is forecasted to be Moderate, with June Lake and Lee Vining continuing to see the most smoke impact. For detailed information on the smoke conditions please see the accompanying Smoke Outlook. If you would like recommendations on how to live with the smoke please visithttp://www.gbuapcd.org/ or https://www.airnow.gov/

Visitor Information: The unique gateway communities of the Sierra National Forest are open for visitors, including Oakhurst and Bass Lake, south of Yosemite on Highway 41. The Sierra National Forest has abundant outdoor recreation opportunities available to the visiting public. Visitors to the area should be mindful of posted speed limits when driving and watch out for firefighters, equipment, and road construction delays on Sky Ranch road.

Today’s Plan: Crews have finished the contingency line on the west side of the North Fork of the San Joaquin River along the wilderness boundary and will work their way back to Clover Meadow improving the line as they go. Ground crews, east of the North Fork of the San Joaquin River, will continue to mitigate fuels between the river and the fire working their way north to Iron Creek preventing the fire from backing down to the river. The pack string will be used to transport supplies back to Clover Meadow and the camp at The Niche will be dismantled. Winds are expected to become gusty in the afternoon creating active fire behavior. A new containment date of September 7 has been set for the Lions Fire.

Closures and Restrictions: All services on the Sierra and Inyo National Forests and Devils Postpile National Monument remain open. The Sierra and Inyo National Forests have implemented fire restrictions on all National Forest lands until further notice. The following restrictions are in effect: No campfires, briquette barbeques, or stove fires are allowed outside designated developed recreation sites, and specifically posted campsites or areas. No fireworks, including “safe and sane” fireworks. No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material

Road and Trail Closures: There is an emergency trail closure for the Fern Lake and Beck Lake Trails on the Inyo National Forest and emergency trail closures and a Forest Order to close the area on the Sierra National Forest (west of the North Fork of the San Joaquin River, north of the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River and South of Iron Creek)
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