Owens River Fire in Mono County jumps to 4,500 acres; 10% contained

9:00 a.m. update 9/18: The Owens River Fire burning east of Highway 395 and north of Owens River Road in Mono County has exploded to an estimated 4,500 acres. Even with the growth, firefighter were able to get it 10% contained.

Named the Owens River Fire, it is burning in sagebrush and Jeffrey pine.

Last night, crews took advantage of the cool temperatures, which moderated fire behavior, to scout and develop containment lines--focusing their efforts along the Owens River Road to protect nearby private developments and ranches. They were able to conduct strategic burning operations to strengthen lines along the south and west flank to improve control lines near the Owens River Road. The recent Clark Fire is an effective barrier to spread along the northern flank.

Fire staff also worked to help visitors who were recreating nearby to safely leave the area.

Today, crews continued to develop and strengthen containment lines. Hot, dry conditions, and afternoon winds are in the forecast for today.

The Big Springs Campground, Clark Canyon (a popular climbing area), and nearby ranches and developments have been evacuated. Only personnel responding to the fire should be using the Owens River Road. For your and fire crew safety, please avoid the fire area.

Smoke will be highly visible from locations throughout the Highway 395 corridor including Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, June Lake, and Lee Vining. It settled in valleys last night under the cool inversion layer.

There are 3 hand crews, 14 engines, air tankers, a helicopter, a dozer, and a water tender assigned to the fire and additional resources have been ordered. There are 250 people assigned to the incident.

The cause of the fire is under investigation but appears to be human-caused.

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Fire crews have responded to a brush fire in Inyo County north of Owens Valley which has burned at least 500 acres.

Smoke is highly visible along US 395 in Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, June Lake and Lee Vining according to the US Forest Service - Inyo National Forest.

At this time they say there is no threat to the towns of Mammoth Lakes and June Lake.
It is burning in sagebrush and Jeffrey pine. Fire crews are focusing along Owens River Road to protect homes and ranches.

The Big Springs Campground, Clark Canyon and nearby ranches and developments have been evacuated.

There are numerous hand crews, engines, air tankers, a helicopter, and a water tender assigned to the fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.