Inyo Complex Fire Update July 10, 2007
Incident: Inyo Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 7/10/2007
Inyo Complex Fire Update
July 10, 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: 80%
Acres Burned: 35,176 Date Started: July 6, 2007
Cause: Lightning Injuries: 10 Minor
Full Containment Expected: July 11, 2007
Resources: Hand crews 21 Engines 42
Helicopters 8 Water Tenders 7
Air Tankers 2 Dozers 4
Total personnel assigned to fire: 809
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. On July 7, 2007 Southern California Interagency Incident Management Team 3 assumed command of the fire and remain in unified command with CalFire.
On July 7, 2007 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.
Firefighters continue to make excellent progress constructing containment line and mopping up hot spots especially, in the areas adjacent to the communities of Big Pine and Independence. Firefighters will continue to be vigilant and alert for new fire starts as thunderstorms and lightning are predicted.
Residents may continue to see smoke from this fire. Smoke impacts in the Eastern Sierra currently are mild. Fire apparatus traveling in and through communities and US 395 may impact residents and the traveling public.
Firefighters Injured:
·q 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.
·q On July 8, 2007 one firefighter sustained minor burns while on the fire line and was transported to a burn center for evaluation and treatment.
Areas Closed:
·q Oak Creek Campground, Onion Valley, Baker Creek, Black Rock and Mt Whitney Fish Hatcheries all remain closed.
Areas Opened:
·q Upper and Lower Grays Meadow Campgrounds, Seven Pines Recreation residence tract, Big Pine Canyon Campgrounds, Glacier Lodge, Bernasconi Center and Glacier Pack Trains have been re-opened.
Road Closures:
·q North Fork Oak Creek Canyon
·q Oak Creek Rd (open to residents only)
·q Onion Valley Rd above the Seven Pines Recreation Tract
Roads that have been opened:
·q US 395
·q Glacier Lodge Rd
·q Onion Valley Rd east of the Seven Pines Recreation Tract.
Trail Closures:
·q Most trailheads remain closed and wilderness permits are not being issued for trails between Big Pine and Independence.
·q Backpackers and hikers exiting at these trailheads are being escorted out of the area
Trail Openings:
·q Big Pine Canyon
·q Shepherd Pass
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:
Thunderstorms with associated lightning are predicted for today, which brings the possibility of new fire starts. Low humidity, low fuel moistures and high temperatures remain in the forecast.
Agencies Involved:
US Forest Service (USFS), California Dept. of Forestry & Fire Protection (Cal-Fire), California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), BLM, Los Angeles DWP, Inyo County Sheriff, Mono County Sheriff, CHP, Caltrans, California Dept of Fish & Game and American Red Cross
Southern California Interagency Incident Management Team 3
Mike Wakoski (USFS) and Rodger Thompson (CalFire) Unified Incident Commanders
For more information on the web please go to:
www.inciweb.org
