Afternoon Update, Rock Fire

July 22, 2026 – 2:00 p.m.

​@inyonf

@CALFIREBDU

https://tr.ee/RockFire

​Fire information: 909-881-6949

​Location: Black Rock Springs Road and Hwy 395, Poverty Hills, Inyo County, CA

Size: 11,479 Acres

Unified Command: CAL FIRE, USFS, CHP and Inyo Sheriff

Percent contained: 5%

Cause: Under Investigation by CAL FIRE Law Enforcement

Start date: July 20, 2026

​CURRENT SITUATION:

This afternoon, the Rock Fire remains holding within existing containment lines.

Due to steep, rugged terrain and limited vehicle access, additional operational resources are being committed to the incident. Interagency Hotshot Crews are being inserted into remote sections of the fireline. Crews will be “spiking out”—establishing primitive camps directly on the line for multiple days—to construct critical handline in hard-to-reach areas.

During afternoon operations, aviation assets will continue active aerial support in Divisions Mike and Whiskey on the fire’s northern flank.

​WEATHER:

A warming and drying trend will bring triple-digit temperatures over the next several days. Dropping relative humidity levels and rising temperatures will continue to dry out surrounding vegetation, increasing fuel receptivity. Despite these challenging weather conditions, fire behavior remains moderate with improved visibility as smoke clears, allowing ground crews to make steady progress.

​EVACUATION, SHELTER, AND CLOSURE INFORMATION:

Visit Ready Inyo https://tr.ee/ReadyInyo for the most current and up to date Road Closures, Shelter Locations and Evacuation information.