Press releases
Inyo National Forest Enters Fire Restrictions
Inyo National Forest is implementing fire restrictions effective on all Inyo National Forest lands. The forest is basing this decision on national level fire activity, local fire activity, and the availability of firefighters for response. Effective August 4, and until further notice, the following restrictions will be in effect:
• No campfires, briquette barbeques, or stove fires are allowed outside of designated developed recreation sites and specifically posted campsites or areas. The list of designated campgrounds and recreation sites is available at visitor centers and is posted here.
• Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit (available free of charge at visitor center or online athttp://www.preventwildfireca.
• No fireworks. It is prohibited to possess or discharge any fireworks, including “safe and sane” fireworks.
• No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
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Resorts, pack stations, recreation residences and other sites operated under special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service may be exempt from the special orders, as long as any fire activity is conducted in compliance with their permit. These are listed here.
Residents and visitors are reminded that simple steps can help prevent human-caused fires.
• Prevent vehicle related fires by maintaining proper tire pressure, ensuring adequate tire tread, and checking your brakes for overheating. Avoid traveling or parking on brush or grass. Ensure chains are not dragging while towing.
• Make sure your campfire is dead out! Drown it, stir it, feel it. If it’s not cool to the touch, it isn’t out.
• Use of exploding targets, such as Binary Explosive Targets, and tracer rounds, while recreationally shooting is both a fire hazard and illegal. The use of steel-core ammunition, although legal, can greatly increase the chance of a wildfire.
• Motorcycles, ATV’s and chainsaws require an approved spark arrestor.
Help prevent wildfires…..One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire.
Lions Fire
The Lions Fire is estimated at 7,549 acres with 65% containment, showing an increase of 55 acres. However, the fire could not be accurately mapped due to smoke inversion and growth is likely greater than what mapping reflects. There are 180 personnel committed to the fire, including 7 crews, 4 helicopters, and a pack string of mules from the Stanislaus National Forest.
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The most active portion of the fire remains on the western flank in the Cargyle Creek drainage of the Sierra National Forest. Increased fire activity is expected today.
Crews continue to make progress on the fire by securing the southwest corner and keeping the fire out of the Middle Fork San Joaquin River drainage. The fireline along the northeast flank of the fire remains secure (south of Fern Lake). Burning operations were suspended yesterday due to the wind event and crews focused on holding and strengthening the line. This focused effort protects developed areas in Devils Postpile National Monument, Reds Meadow, and Mammoth Lakes.
Along the western flank, crews are using trail networks and rock barriers for containment lines. Crews also continue to construct direct and indirect fireline along the southwest and west flanks in an effort to keep the fire crossing the San Joaquin River. Helicopters are supporting them by cooling the fire’s edge with water drops as air conditions permit.
The area has experienced approximately 50% tree mortality from bark beetles and drought conditions. Yesterday’s observed fire activity included backing, flanking, and single-tree torching. In the south and west flanks the fire is moving downslope.
Hot and dry conditions remain in the forecast with a Red Flag warning for gusty winds and low humidity until 10 pmtonight.
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).
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Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District
Stage 1 Health Advisory
Affected Areas: Mono County with heaviest impacts currently from Mammoth Lakes to Bridgeport
Smoke Sources: Ferguson Fire, Lions Fire, and Donnel Fire
Based on air pollution levels at Mammoth Lakes and Lee Vining a Stage 1 Air Pollution Health Advisory is in effect throughout the day on August 5, 2018. Periods of heavy smoke and clearing may fluctuate during the day depending on wind patterns. Visit www.gbuapcd.org for near real time conditions.
For more information on ways to protect yourself from wildfire smoke, click here.
A Stage 1 Health Advisory recommends children, the elderly, people with heart or lung problems, or people with current illnesses such as the flu, to stay indoors and avoid strenuous outdoor activities in the impacted areas
Air pollution monitors in Mono County:
US Forest Service PM2.5 Monitor deployed in Mammoth Lakes
US Forest Service PM2.5 Monitor deployed in Crowley Lake
Smoke conditions may change quickly. If you have any questions please visit: www.gbuapcd.org or call the Great Basin Air Pollution Control District office in Bishop at 760-872-8211 during regular business hours.
Health advisories on the web: https://gbuapcd.org/
More Information: Ferguson Fire InciWeb Page and Lions Fire InciWeb Page
Information on all smoke events being monitored in the District: https://gbuapcd.org/smoke/
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