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)