Just over a month since the Clark Fire, another fire has erupted in the area.
The Owens River Fire is burning north of and along Owens River Road and east of Highway 395 near Clark Canyon. The fire was detected yesterday afternoon and is thought to be human-caused. As of this morning the fire is about 4,500 acres and 10% contained; the Big Springs Campground, Clark Canyon, and surrounding ranches have been evacuated. Heavy smoke is affecting Lee Vining, June Lake, Mammoth Lakes, and Bishop and the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution District has issued a level 1 & 2 smoke alert for Mammoth Lakes.
Hot and dry weather conditions are expected today with winds increasing later in the week. Extreme fire conditions continue and expanded fire restrictions are still in effect for all of the Inyo National Forest.
Thank you to all of the firefighters working hard to contain this fire and keep the public safe.
Links:
So sorry to see this! We left Lee Vining just yesterday morning–must have been only a few hours before the fire broke out–after a glorious week of hiking on the East Side, in the White Mts, and along the Tuolumne River, all under beautiful smoke-free skies. Best wishes for health and safety to all who are affected by this fire. Many thanks for sharing the news and links.