Cutting a Steep Line on the Walker Fire
Photo Credit: Gregg Boydston
Update: 8:00 A.M.
Walker Fire Update (Lee Vining)
(update as of 8:00a on 8/18)
Good morning! Here is the morning update on the #WalkerFire from Sierra Front. - Jennifer M. Hansen, Public Information Officer
Date Started: 8/14/2015
Cause: Human Total Personnel: 471
Injuries/Illnesses to Date:0
Size: 3,613 acres
Structures Threatened: 235
Percent Contained: 20%
Resources: 5 helicopters, 0 seats 2 Air tankers Engines 29,Crews 8,Water Tenders 1 Dozers4
Structures Lost: 0
Estimated Containment: 8/23/2015
Air Support and Ground Crews make progress onWalker Fire
Lee Vining, CA: The Walker Fire is currently burning approximately two miles southwest of Lee Vining. This is a human-caused fire that is still under investigation.
Crews held the fire last night and continue to improve containment lines.Crews will continue to maintain and strengthen the fire line today as well as mopping up the 65-acre hot spot.
Due to more accurate mapping, the fire size is now at 3,613 acres.
Tioga Pass (Highway120) is open without an escort. However, there will no stopping along the eastern six miles of the road. This will be strictly enforced. The fire remains active to the south of the road and this is essential for firefighter and public safety.
The fire is burning in mixed conifer, mahogany, and brush. Critical sage grouse habitat is also threatened. Visitors and residents should expect to see smoke from the June Lake and Lee Vining areas and along Highway 395.
Closures and Evacuations:
• Walker Lake “Fishing Camp” has been evacuated.
• A CodeRed Emergency Alert notice has been issued for Lee Vining and everything north of Double Eagle in June Lake (including Silver Lake and Grant Lake areas) for potential evacuations.
• Campgrounds in the Lower Lee Vining Canyon have been evacuated and are closed, including Lower Lee Vining, Moraine, Boulder, Aspen Grove, and Big Bend Campgrounds.
• The Walker Lake Road (1N17), the Parker Lake Rd. (1S25), the Upper Horse Meadows Rd. (1N16), and the Gibbs Road (1N18) are closed for fire operations and public safety. All of these roads are accessed via the northern end of the June Lake Loop. All spur roads off of these roads are also closed. The trail to Mono Pass (trailhead is at Walker Lake) is closed.
Approximately 471 firefighters are on scene as well as numerous aircraft, dozers, and engines. Resources from Mono County, local fire departments, Cal Fire, neighboring forests, BLM Bishop Field Office, and the Mono County Sheriff’s Office are assigned.
