2020 Fire/Smoke Impact Reports

Questions and reports related to Sierra Nevada current and forecast conditions, as well as general precautions and safety information. Trail conditions, fire/smoke reports, mosquito reports, weather and snow conditions, stream crossing information, and more.
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maverick
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2020 Fire/Smoke Impact Reports

Post by maverick »

Please report back here if you know of any fires or encounter smoky conditions during a recent trip to the Sierra.

The CAL FIRE map below displays general locations of major fires burning in the High Sierra Nevada and throughout the state of California. Fire locations are approximate.

https://www.fire.ca.gov/imapdata/index.html


Other useful resources:

http://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/

https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/?p ... 6447125049

http://wxshift.com/news/us-wildfires-one-map
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I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.

Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
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Hog Fire 6/12

Post by maverick »

SNF:
Sierra National Forest (SNF) along with CAL FIRE Fresno Kings Unit (FKU) in a unified command continues suppression operations on the Hog Fire, a fire burning along Trimmer Springs Road near Maxon Road in the area of Pine Flat Reservoir, on the south slope of Hog Mountain. The Hog Fire a wind driven fire grew quickly to 500 acres Friday evening June 12th, 2020 in thick grass, heavy brush, and oak woodland.

During initial attack of the fire a small number of structures were threatened, the Fresno County Sheriff’s office quickly coordinated and safely evacuated those residents at risk. No structures were lost, and all families who were evacuated returned to their homes late Friday night.

As of this afternoon June 13th, 2020 fire behavior was as expected today with a change in weather overnight to cooler temperatures and light winds, minimal to moderate behavior allowed crews to strengthen lines and begin their mop-up phase.

Current Acreage: After more accurate mapping by aircraft - 533

Containment: 25%

Cause: The cause of the Hog Fire is under investigation by U.S. Forest Service and CAL FIRE investigators. An identified potential cause for the fire has been determined to be from a vehicle. Investigators are seeking help from anyone who was on Trimmer Springs Road between Lakeview Marina and Maxon Road between the hours of 1:30 PM and 2:45 PM on Friday June 12, 2020. If you were in the area, or have any information in relation to the start of the Hog Fire, please contact investigators by email at SM.SF.sierranfinfo@usda.gov.

Rate of Spread/Potential: Minimal

Personnel: 100

Injuries: 0

Structural Loss: 0

Activity – Good progress was made today with crews strengthening the line utilizing direct tactics in the final containment stages to manage the area of the fire. Mopping up only to the extent necessary to minimize the likelihood of an escape and to secure around structures. All state and local agencies will be released this evening ending unified command.
Smoke impact of varying degrees can be expected as the fire continues to burn down in the fire’s interior, and will be felt in the local recreational areas of Pine Flat, and the communities of Piedra, Centerville and Minkler over the course of the next several days. To help minimize smoke impact and learn about air quality and smoke forecasts please visit either www.airnow.gov or www.valleyair.org
Updates will continue on the Hog Fire as information is provided, and information can also be found at the Hog Fire on https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6765/
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I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.

Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
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Fox Fire / Pumice Fire in the Fish Creek Area 6/15

Post by maverick »

Inyo NF:
Fire crews are responding to two fires in the Fish Creek area.

The Fox Fire is near Pond Lily Lake and is contained at this time at one acre.

The Pumice Fire is east of Pumice Butte and it 2-3 acres at this time. Fire crews report active fire behavior and winds are in the forecast for this evening and remain a concern. The forests’ helicopter will be used for water drops.

There is no threat to life or property at this time. Some smoke may be noticeable from the Town of Mammoth Lakes and the nearby vicinity and residents should anticipate that helicopter work will continue tomorrow.

Both fires are under investigation, However, there was lightning from weather systems this weekend.
Professional Sierra Landscape Photographer

I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.

Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
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Pumice Fire Update 6/17

Post by maverick »

Inyo NF:
Fire crews have mapped the Pumice Fire at 40 acres and are showing 30% containment.

A third fire crew was assigned to the fire today. The fire is located on a steep, knife edge ridge in a mixture of brush and mixed conifer forest. Today, crews scouted and began constructing containment lines. Fire behavior is moderate to minimal. Crews will improve containment lines tomorrow.

Smoke may be visible from the Mammoth Lakes vicinity. There remains no threat to life or property. The fire is in a remote location in the wilderness in the Fish Creek area (west of Mammoth Lakes). The forest helicopter is being used for logistical support for the crews and with bucket drops to cool the fire’s edge.

The cause of the fire has been determined to be lightning.
Professional Sierra Landscape Photographer

I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.

Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
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Quarter Fire Stanislaus NF

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SNF:
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I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.

Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
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Quarter Fire Stanislaus NF Update 6/23

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SNF:
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Professional Sierra Landscape Photographer

I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.

Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
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Iris Fire (Rock Creek)

Post by maverick »

InciWeb:
Fire crews are continuing to aggressively work on suppressing the Iris Fire, located west of Iris Meadows Campground and the Rock Creek Road on the Inyo National Forest. The fire is currently 40 acres and 20% contained. Investigators have determined that the fire is lightning-caused. It is burning in a mixture of sagebrush, mahogany, and mixed conifer.

Iris Meadow Campground and Big Meadows Campground have been evacuated. The Rock Creek Road is closed. Mono County Sheriff and California Highway Patrol are managing exiting traffic along Rock Creek Road and at Hwy 395. Please avoid the area to assist firefighters with their response.

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6877/
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Professional Sierra Landscape Photographer

I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.

Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
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Re: 2020 Fire/Smoke Impact Reports

Post by SweetSierra »

I went by this fire on 395 at 1:30 or so on my way to Mammoth for the night and a Emigrant Wilderness backpack beginning Saturday. I saw the first whiffs of smoke and emergency vehicles blocking the road as I approached Tom's Place. I feel for the backpackers exiting Mono Pass (and intending to drive home) or the Little Lakes Valley hikers and campers, now that the road is closed.
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Iris Fire Update 7/23

Post by maverick »

Inyo NF:
Size: 170 acres (estimated)

Containment: 20%

Location: east of Rock Creek Road, near Iris Meadows Campground

Fuels: sagebrush, pinyon/ juniper

Cause: Lightning

Update: Last night, fire activity diminished in the evening with cooler temperatures and as the winds died down. Fire crews took advantage of this period to re-establish containment lines. The primary focus was along the road corridor to protect the developed areas of the canyon.

Today, fire crews will continue to construct and improve containment lines, supported by air tankers and helicopters who will provide retardant and water drops to cool the fire’s edge.

Today, a Type 2 Incident Management Team (IMT) will travel to the incident and receive a briefing from the Inyo National Forest (IMT) and determine when the Type 2 IMT will assume command of the fire.

Weather: Wind and the potential for thunderstorms are concern for fire behavior.

Closures: The Rock Creek Road is closed. All campgrounds in the Rock Creek Canyon have been evacuated. This includes Mosquito Creek, Rock Creek, Upper Pine Grove, Pine Grove, East Fork, Big Meadows, French Camp, and Holiday campgrounds. All resorts and cabins have also been evacuated.

All wilderness permit holders for trailheads starting in the Rock Creek Canyon are being cancelled through Sunday July 26th. This includes the Little Lakes (including the Mono Pass Trail that starts here) and Hilton Lakes Trailhead. Exiting hikers are being escorted out.

Mono County Sheriff and California Highway Patrol are managing exiting traffic along Rock Creek Road and at Hwy 395. Please avoid the area for firefighter and public safety.

Resources: There are 209 personnel assigned to the incident, including 15 engines, five crews, two water tenders, a dozer, three helicopters, and four air tankers.
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Professional Sierra Landscape Photographer

I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.

Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
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Iris Fire Update 7/24

Post by maverick »

Inyo NF:
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Professional Sierra Landscape Photographer

I don't give out specific route information, my belief is that it takes away from the whole adventure spirit of a trip, if you need every inch planned out, you'll have to get that from someone else.

Have a safer backcountry experience by using the HST ReConn Form 2.0, named after Larry Conn, a HST member: http://reconn.org
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