Owens River Fire sending smoke into the Lake Tahoe Basin

9/19/16 update 8:00 p.m. - The Owens River Fire has now burned 6,050 acres east of Highway 395 and is now 20 percent contained. The fire is burning southeast of June Lake and northeast of Mammoth Lake.

Today, fire behavior moderated, however, winds continue to challenge containment lines. Crews responded to a handful of small spot fires this afternoon along the southeast and northeast flanks, which air resources and crews on the ground were able to contain. Crews also made good progress on containing and mopping up along the western flank, which was very active in the past few days.

Tonight, crews will remain focused on containing these spot fires as well as strengthening firelines, patrolling, and mopping up where possible.

The weather forecast for the coming days will remain hot and dry, with potential winds. These conditions will continue to test containment lines.

Four uninhabited outbuildings, several pieces of heavy equipment, and a vehicle were destroyed during the initial response.

The fire is burning along Owens River Road near Clark Canyon, east of Highway 395 in sagebrush and Jeffrey pine, and annual grasses.

The Big Springs Campground, Clark Canyon (a popular climbing area), and nearby ranches and developments have been evacuated. The Owens River Road and the Whitmore Springs Roads are closed and visitors are advised to avoid the Bald Mountain Road as well. For the public's and fire crew safety, please avoid the fire area.

Smoke is visible from locations throughout the Highway 395 corridor including Mammoth Lakes, June Lake, and Lee Vining and up to Carson City and Lake Tahoe. It will settle in the valleys at night under the cool inversion layer.

There are 11 hand crews, 48 engines, 7 helicopters, 6 dozers, and 7 water tenders assigned to the fire. There are 536 people assigned to the incident.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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The Owens River Fire burning east of Highway 395 south near Mammoth Mountain has now burned 6,000 acres and is 20 percent contained.

Winds are bringing smoke from the fire into the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Last night, crews focused on the active western flank and worked on containing several spot fires and slop overs caused by the afternoon winds yesterday. Crews worked on containing these areas and hose lays were put in place. Crews monitored the southern flank and have begun mop up operations along the Owens River Road.
Today, crews will remain focused on containing these spot fires along the western flank to better strengthen this fireline. Crews will strengthen firelines, patrol, and mop up along the north, east and south flanks.

Today’s weather remains hot and dry with the potential for increased winds from the southwest with a storm front passage.

Four uninhabited outbuildings and several pieces of heavy equipment were destroyed during the initial response yesterday.

The fire is burning along Owens River Road near Clark Canyon, east of Highway 395 in sagebrush and Jeffrey pine, and annual grasses.

The Big Springs Campground, Clark Canyon (a popular climbing area), and nearby ranches and developments have been evacuated. The Owens River Road and the Whitmore Springs Roads are closed and visitors are advised to avoid the Bald Mountain Road as well. For your and fire crew safety, please avoid the fire area.
Smoke is visible from locations throughout the Highway 395 corridor including Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, June Lake, and Lee Vining. It will settle in the valleys at night under the cool inversion layer.