The Piute Fire burning near Lake Isabella in Kern County is expected to continue to send smoke toward the Eastern Sierra.

Sierrawaves forecast specialist Dennis Mattinson reports that Thursday, south easterly winds kept some of the smoke away, allowing for slight clearing in the Owens Valley.

Wednesday the Piute fire was listed at 13,500 acres at 5% contained. Today fire officials report that the Piute Fire had grown to 14,500 acres and was listed at 15% contained.

It appears another 300 firefighters showed up to work the Piute overnight as today fire officials reported 1300 fire personnel are on this blaze.

Meanwhile mop up efforts continue on the 15,000 acre Clover fire burning in the Sierra Southwest of Olancha. Firefighters now expect the Clover to be fully contained on July 15th.

The breeze that reduced the smoke in the Eastern Sierra is expected to shift yet again. Forecast specialist Mattinson says that he expects the winds to pump the smoke right back into the Eastern Sierra, bringing smoky and hot conditions by next week.

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