From USFS

The Horseshoe Fire started on August 9, 2016 towards the top of Horseshoe Meadow Road, just east of the developed recreation campgrounds, near Last Chance Meadow. It is estimated to be 400 acres and 30% contained.

Cool weather and high relative humidity allowed firefighters to make good progress on fireline construction overnight. Today, firefighters will strengthen and improve firelines, patrol and mop up further into the interior of the fire.

The fire is burning at 9,000 feet in elevation in mountain mahogany, lodgepole pine, and sage.

A mandatory evacuation of Horseshoe Meadows Campgrounds (Cottonwood Lakes, Cottonwood Pass, the Horseshoe Equestrian Camp and Golden Trout Camp) remains in effect until further notice. Due to the narrow, winding road and heavy fire equipment traffic, hikers returning to their vehicles, will be escorted out.

The Cottonwood Pass and Cottonwood Lakes Trailheads are closed and the forest has suspended issuing permits for the popular trailheads at this time. There is also a hard closure of Lubkin Canyon Road and Horseshoe Meadows Road.

Responding agencies include Inyo National Forest, Inyo Sheriff’s Office, Lone Pine Fire, Bishop Fire, Independence, CalFire, BLM, CHP, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

Firefighting resources include: 6 hand crews, 16 engines, 2 air tankers, 5 helicopters, 2 water tenders, air attack and lead plane. There are approximately 266 people assigned to the incident.

The cause of the fire is under investigation but appears to be human caused.

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