Dexter Fire Update July 17

Incident Start Date: July 12, 2021
Cause: Lightning
Acreage: 1,679 Containment: 10%
Hand Crews: 5
Engines: 27
Helicopters: 4
Air Tankers: 6
Dozers: 1
Water Tenders: 3
Total Personnel: 230

Firefighters made good progress on the Dexter Fire yesterday, establishing a fireline on the western flank of the fire. Gusty winds from a thunderstorm cell pushed the fire north and east toward the Pilot Springs Road. Extreme fire behavior including group torching and crown runs occurred and spot fires appeared ¼ mile outside of the fireline. Aircraft continued to work throughout the day to assist firefighters in dropping water and retardant to slow the fire spread.

Today’s priority is to extinguish spot fires outside the fireline, hold and improve the north side of the fire to the Pilot Springs Rd. Crews established a dozer line on the southern edge and will work to secure and begin mopping up as they work toward the east.

A continuing threat of thunderstorms in the afternoon today can bring increased afternoon winds. The fire is burning near the Springs Fire of 2019 on the northwest side and the Clark and Owens River Fires on the south. The fire is near Crooked Meadows to the east. Smoke will impact the Mammoth Lakes area from the Dexter Fire (east) and the River Fire (Mariposa—west).

Mandatory evacuations for campers and residents have been implemented in the area. The Big Springs and Bald Mountain Springs Campgrounds have been evacuated and are currently closed. Roads in the immediate vicinity are also closed to the public: North of the Owens River Rd. (2S07), east of Highway 395, west of Forest Rd. 1S17, and south of Highway 120. The fire is burning into the former Clark and Springs Fires which will slow down fire activity to the west. Previous treatments in this area will reduce the spread fire growth on the west side because of diminished fuels.

Fire Restrictions remain in effect for the Inyo National Forest and Bishop Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Campfires are allowed only in developed campgrounds and recreation sites. A portable stove or lantern using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel may be used with a valid wilderness or California Campfire Permit in dispersed areas. Smoking is only allowed within an enclosed vehicle, building, a developed recreation site, or in an area at least three feet in diameter cleared of flammable material.

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7656/

Incident Start Date: July 12, 2021
Cause: Lightning
Acreage: 2,362
Containment: 15%
Hand Crews: 6
Engines: 30
Helicopters: 4
Air Tankers: 2
Dozers: 3
Water Tenders: 2
Total Personnel: 308

Yesterday, afternoon winds continued to spread the fire to the northeast within the planned fire perimeter, while crews strengthened and monitored the northern and southern flanks. Mop up (extinguishing the smoldering area along the fireline) has begun in both of those areas. The fire is still active on the northeast edge and today’s priority is to continue strategic firing to keep the fire within the perimeter. Some aircraft has been diverted due to regional priorities for other fire starts, but will still be available to assist with slowing fire spread.

Surface fuels include sage in the lower elevations, Jeffrey Pine at mid elevations, and Lodgepole Pine and mixed conifer in higher areas. Fire behavior includes torching and short to moderate duration crown fire during the heat of the burn period, but low to moderate spread most of the day and evenings. Spotfires are spreading up to 1/2 mile but are being managed quickly. The majority of threat to structures to the south along Owens River has been mitigated. Crews will continue to prepare for strategic burning this evening from the Pilot Springs Rd. to the west.

The threat of thunderstorms may be less today, giving firefighters a window to complete burning and secure the fireline. However, a hot and dry airmass will move into the area, reinforcing fuel receptivity. Smoke may continue to impact the Mammoth Lakes area from the Dexter Fire (east) and the River Fire (Mariposa—west).

Mandatory evacuations for campers have been implemented in the Bald Mountain area. The Big Springs and Bald Mountain Springs Campgrounds have been evacuated and are currently closed. Roads in the immediate vicinity are also closed to the public: North of the Owens River Rd. (2S07), east of Highway 395, west of Forest Rd. 1S17, and south of Highway 120.

Fire Restrictions remain in effect for the Inyo National Forest and Bishop Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Campfires are allowed only in developed campgrounds and recreation sites. A portable stove or lantern using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel may be used with a valid wilderness or California Campfire Permit in dispersed areas. Smoking is only allowed within an enclosed vehicle, building, a developed recreation site, or in an area at least three feet in diameter cleared of flammable material.

InciWeb at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7656/

Incident Start Date: July 12, 2021
Cause: Lightning
Acreage: 2,558
Containment: 26%
Hand Crews: 8
Engines: 27
Helicopters: 4
Air Tankers: 3
Dozers: 3
Water Tenders: 8
Total Personnel: 331

July 17, 2021 — Fire behavior yesterday was moderated by heavy smoke in the fire area. It was less windy, giving firefighters an opportunity to strengthen and improve containment lines. Crews made good progress on the southern flank as they increased mop up depth toward Pilot Springs Rd. The fireline was strengthened along the northern edge also, while small spotfires on the southeast were confined. The fire continues to burn between the Pilot Springs Rd and the 2S04 Road on the northeast edge. Today, crews will continue firing operations to keep the fire within the perimeter.

The threat of thunderstorms may be less again today which will mitigate the extreme runs the fire made in previous afternoons. Smoke may continue to impact the Mammoth Lakes area from other fires in the area.

Resources including the Bald Mountain Lookout Tower, critical Sage Grouse habitat, Forest Service campgrounds, Native American cultural resources, the Mono Lupine, and Northern Goshawk habitat remain threatened.

The Big Springs and Bald Mountain Springs Campgrounds are closed. Roads in the immediate vicinity are also closed to the public: North of the Owens River Rd. (2S07), east of Highway 395, west of Forest Rd. 1S17, and south of Highway 120. (See Forest Closure Order.)