Helicopter for the Lions Fire
Credit: Sierra National Forest - Inciweb
Update: 1:50 P.M. Air Quality Report, 10:55 A.M. Smoke Outlook & Weather Information. (below)
June 29, 2018 - Portions of the Lions Fire have burned into areas where the vegetation is less dense and the fire has slowed its progression, though areas of dense fuel remains in the fire’s path. It is now 3,107 acres, having gained just 100 acres since yesterday. Winds are expected to shift to the northeast today and tonight, and may be gusty at times. Crews will continue working on building and securing containment lines primarily along the east edge of the fire, south of Summit Meadow, and the southwest edge where it abuts the previously burned area of the Butte Fire. The southeastern edge of the fire is in rugged, inaccessible terrain that rises above the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River and will be secured using aircraft.
The lightning caused fire was detected in early June and is currently burning in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. It is located primarily in the Stairway Creek drainage, north and west of the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River.
All recreational services and areas are open in and around Mammoth Lakes. Shuttle service to Devils Postpile National Monument is running and trails there remain open. The Pacific Crest Trail and the John Muir Trail are open at this time. Smoke may be present in some places, though concentrations will vary. The following lateral trails leading into the fire area will be closed in the near future: Sierra NF: 26E01 (Mammoth Trail) to the Inyo NF Boundary, 26E56, 26E14, and 2646 from the Inyo NF boundary. Inyo NF trail closures include 26E01 from the Sierra NF to 2601 junction, and 2601 from the boundary of the Inyo NF and Devils Postpile National Monument (King Creek Trail).
Wildland fire is an integral and necessary part of maintaining a healthy ecosystem in the Sierra Nevada. Fire serves to naturally remove the accumulation of excess wildfire fuel. The Lions Fire will also help diminish the risk of larger, more severe fires in the future. The fire is currently staffed by 352 people, including seven handcrews and seven helicopters. The handcrews are remaining overnight at spike camps around the fire’s perimeter and are being supplied via mules and helicopters.
Air quality and smoke forecasts are available at https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=topics.smoke_wildfires.
For more information about smoke conditions in the area, visit webcams at www.mammothmountain.com and the alert tab at nps.gov/DEPO.
Source: Inciweb
Update: 1:50 P.M.
Air Quality Report 6/29/2018
Special Statement
Smoke Outlook is for PM2.5 levels.
Fire
Low fire growth today with decreased winds. Seasonal drying of fuel continues, and fire is finding paths to heavier concentrations of fuels. Smoke production will be highest around 1500.
Smoke
Smoke production should be similar to yesterday. Influence of forecast North wind should push smoke to the West during daytime and late evening hours. Down slope flow will bring smoke from fire area East starting around 1600.
Other
Modest north and northeast winds are expected for exposed ridges Friday night and Saturday morning, with afternoon westerly winds weakening between Friday and Saturday. Humidities should fall off some Friday night and Saturday with the drier northeast flow.
Update: 11:50 A.M.
The Lions Fire is now at 3,107 Acres and 5% Contained.
Basic Information
|
Current as of |
6/29/2018, 7:55:27 AM |
|
Incident Type |
Wildfire |
|
Cause |
Lightning Strike |
|
Date of Origin |
Monday June 11th, 2018 approx. 12:00 PM |
|
Location |
7 miles southwest of Mammoth Lakes. |
|
Incident Commander |
Stephen Fillmore, Type 3 IC |
|
Incident Description |
The Fire Is Burning At Approximately 6000- 8000' In Red Fir (compact) Needle Cast And Brush. |
|
Coordinates |
37.571 latitude, -119.118 longitude |
Current Situation
|
Total Personnel |
352 |
|
Size |
3,107 Acres |
|
Percent of Perimeter Contained |
5% |
|
Estimated Containment Date |
Saturday July 14th, 2018 approx. 12:00 AM |
|
Fuels Involved |
Timber (Litter and understory) Brush (2 feet) |
|
Significant Events |
Moderate Flanking Isolated Torching Short-Range Spotting |
Outlook
|
Planned Actions |
Crews will continue to scout, construct, and burn out fire lines utilizing natural barriers to the extent possible. Utilize helicopter water drops to check fire in inaccessible terrain north and west of the San Joaquin River. |
|
Projected Incident Activity |
Continued spread to West and North especially in thermal belts with poor recoveries and in dry fuels. Downslope winds may push fire further south in the San Joaquin River. |
|
Remarks |
1,956 acres on the Sierra National Forest; 1,151 acres on the Inyo National Forest. |
Current Weather
|
Weather Concerns |
Gusty winds and low relative humidity continues. Afternoon temps in the mid-80s; RH in the mid-teens, and afternoon winds SW 10-15 with gusts to 35. Cooler Friday, but temperatures rebound for the weekend. Winds shift to northeast Thursday night and to north on Friday. 10:00 A.M. Update: Gusty winds and low relative humidities continue. Afternoon temps in the low 80s, RH in the mid-teens, and afternoon winds north at 10-15 MPH; gusts to 25. |
Source: Inciweb
Related information:
Sierra National Forest Lions Fire Monday Evening Updates
Sierra National Forest Lions Fire Update for Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Sierra National Forest Lions Fire Update for Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Sierra National Forest Lions Fire Update for Thursday, June 28, 2018
