Lions Fire Update 8/10/18

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.

[pdf-embedder url=”https://thereal395.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/2018-08-10-Sierra-InyoNationalForest-Outlook.20180810152013.pdf”]

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/

###