Inyo Complex Fire Update - July 8
Incident: Inyo Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 7/8/2007
Inyo Complex Fire Update
July 8, 2007
On Scene Contact: Jim Wilkins or Marc Peebles, Fire Information Officers
(909) 815-3967
Inyo Forest Contact: Nancy Upham, Public Affairs Officer
(760) 873-2427
Fire Status: Active Location: Eastern Sierra (Big Pine and Independence area) Inyo National Forest Percent Contained: 8%
Acres Burned: 34,093 Date Started: July 6, 2007
Cause: Lightning Injuries: 3 Minor
Full Containment Expected: None predicted at this time
Resources: Hand crews 10 Engines 42
Helicopters 8 Water Tenders 3
Air Tankers 9 Dozers 6
Total personnel assigned to fire: 450
(Additional resources have been ordered and are in route)
A lightning storm moved quickly through the Eastern Sierra Friday afternoon, July 6, 2007, igniting approximately 10 fires, which are being managed as the "Inyo Complex". As of 8:00 am Saturday, July 7, 2007 the three largest fires still actively burning are the Oak Fire burning west and north of the Town of Independence and on both sides of US 395. The Seven Fire is burning west and north of the Town of Independence and the Sage Fire, which is burning in Big Pine Canyon. Firefighters in the air and on the ground continue their efforts to keep the fire away from structures and critical infrastructures.
Effective at 6:00pm on July 7, 2007 Southern California Interagency Incident Management Team 3 assumed command of the fire and are in unified command with CalFire. Residents may continue to see fire and smoke from this fire. Smoke impacts in the Eastern Sierra currently are moderate. Residents in the towns of Big Pine and Independence should be alert and prepared for evacuations. Fire apparatus traveling in and through communities and US 395 may impact residents and the traveling public. Communities and the traveling public should be aware that US 395 might be closed at any time due to fire threat.
Yesterday, the western portion of the Town of Independence was evacuated for several hours (approx. 200 residents) as the town was immediately threatened. Approximately, 20 residents were evacuated to Statham Hall in Lone Pine, CA. The remainder of the evacuated residents sought refuge with friends and relatives in nearby towns and the Diaz Lake Area.
Three Firefighters Injured:
At approximately 3:30pm on July 7, 2007 three Firefighters sustained minor burns while on the fire line. The Firefighters were transported to a burn center for evaluation and treatment.
Evacuations:
Oak Creek Campground, Upper and Lower Grey's Meadow Campground, Onion Valley Campground, Seven Pines, Big Pine Canyon Campgrounds, Glacier Lodge, Baker Creek Campground, Bernasconi Center and Black Rock and Mt Whitney Fish Hatcheries.
Road Closures:
·q Big Pine Canyon
·q North Fork Oak Creek Canyon
·q Onion Valley Rd.
·q 395 is open at this time but subject to closure due to fire threat
Trail Closures:
·q All trailheads are closed, and wilderness permits are not being issued for trails between Baker Creek and Georges Creek.
·q Backpackers and hikers exiting at these trailheads are being escorted out of the area
Incident Priorities:
·q Protect life and property while engaging in sound risk management.
·q Confine the fires west of US 395.
·q Prevent fire form entering the Town of Independence.
·q Avoid, mitigate or eliminate all identified hazards.
·q Provide timely public information on current and predicted fire conditions.
Weather, Fire Behavior and Smoke Conditions:
Extremely low humidity, fuel moistures and high temperatures; steep terrain, erratic winds and long range spotting exist as challenges for firefighters.
Agencies Involved:
US Forest Service (USFS), California Dept. of Forestry & Fire Protection (Cal-Fire), BLM, Los Angeles DWP, Inyo County Sheriff, Mono County Sheriff, CHP, Caltrans
Southern California Interagency Incident Management Team 3
Mike Wakoski (USFS) and Rodger Thompson (CalFire) Unified Incident Commanders
