Wildfire: Indian Fire at 40% Containment

Image from InciWeb

The Indian Fire is now at 40% containment. To help users understand exactly where the fire is located as well as the trail closures, see the image above. Plan accordingly and stay safe in the Golden Trout Wilderness.

Wildfire: Indian Fire has Slight Growth

The Indian Fire in the Inyo National Forest side of the Golden Trout Wilderness grew slowly today. The fire is now at 2,624 acres with 20% containment. New information was released regarding what fire crews are doing with the fire.

Fire behavior has moderated with minimal new growth in the last 24 hours. Crews are continuing to construct direct and indirect hand line between Jordon Hot Springs and Indian Head in the Golden Trout Wilderness. Pumps and hoselays have been deployed to begin securing handlines and protect nearby cabins in Long Canyon and Ninemile Creeks if needed. Significant progress has been made over the last couple of days due to the tremendous efforts of ground resources, aviation resources, Inyo NF and BLM Bishop Field Office’s local Type 3 Incident Management Team.

Firefighter safety is the top priority. Snags (standing dead trees), heavy surface fuel loading, decadent brush and rugged terrain remain a substantial safety concern. Crews are taking all necessary measures to avoid or mitigate these hazards. In addition to handlines, crews are using existing trail systems and natural barriers for containment using Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics (MIST) to help protect wilderness values and character in the Golden Trout Wilderness. Crews are also being supported by US Forest Service pack stock. There is currently no threat to life or property.

The horse coral at the Black Rock Trailhead is currently full, which is being used by the U.S. Forest Service pack stock.

The forest has ordered a closure of the following trails due to the fire and the substantial hazard created by falling snags:

Casa Vieja to Redrock Meadows via Jordon Hot Springs
Casa Vieja to Redrock Meadows via Lost Trout Creek
Redrock Meadows to Templeton Cow Camp
Redrock Meadows to Little Whitney Meadow

Wildfire: Indian Fire Now at 2,536 Acres

Photo from InciWeb

The Indian Fire continues to grow as well as managed for resource benefit. See details below from the official news release.

Size: 2536 acres

Cause: Appears to be lightning

Containment: 10%

Crews: 9

Fuel Type: Whitethorn/Jeffrey pine

Aircraft: 6 helicopters, 1 air attack fixed wing

Location: Golden Trout Wilderness north of the Jordon Hot Springs at 8,400 ft.

Personnel: 215

Fire continues to creep along the southern portion of the Toowa Range on the east side of Redrock Creek. Fire behavior remains moderate with creeping and backing observed.

Crews are constructing direct and indirect handline from Jordon Hot Springs east up to the Toowa Ridgeline and continuing north. Other crews will work south from Indian Head to tie in this handline. This operation should take several days to complete. Crews completed direct and indirect hand line along a ridge to the Cold Meadows Trail on the north portion of the fire towards Indian Head. The fire continued to show little activity on the northwest side today allowing direct hand line to continue from the ridge to the south towards Nine Mile Creek. Crews are completing defensible space and wrapping remote cabins.

Although the fire has started moving out of the high intensity 2002 McNally Fire footprint, snags (standing dead trees) remain a substantial safety concern. Crews are taking all necessary measures to avoid this hazard. Crews are using trail systems and natural barriers for containment using Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics (MIST) to help protect wilderness character in the Golden Trout Wilderness. Crews are being supported by US Forest Service pack stock. There is currently no threat to life or property.

The forest has implemented an emergency closure of the following trails due to the fire and the substantial hazard created by falling snags:

• Casa Vieja to Redrock Meadows via Jordon Hot Springs
• Casa Vieja to Redrock Meadows via Lost Trout Creek (Beer Keg Meadow)
• Redrock Meadows to Templeton Cow Camp
• Redrock Meadows to Little Whitney Meadow

Smoke is visible and drifting into the southern Owens Valley between Olancha and Lone Pine as areas throughout the southern Sierra, including the Kennedy Meadows and Kern River Valley. Smoke settled into Lone Pine and Olancha yesterday evening.

Wildfire: Indian Fire Grows to 879 Acres

Photo from InciWeb

The Indian Fire continues to grow slowly. It is now at 879 acres with 5% containment. No changes with the trail closures at this time. Below is an excerpt from InciWeb in the evening hours.

The Indian Fire is estimated to be 879 acres and 5% contained. It continues to grow slowly to the north and east. Aerial resources continue to check the fire’s growth during the day. Crews are being inserted to scout potential safe containment lines. Crews will look to trail systems and natural barriers that can be used for containment.

Earlier today the news section released a document stating crews were being inserted. A pack train is providing logistical support for the crews.

Today, three crews are scouting potential safe containment lines and two additional crews have been ordered assist in completing the containment efforts. Crews will look to trail systems and natural barriers that can be used for containment, using Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics (MIST) to help protect wilderness character in the Golden Trout Wilderness. Crews are being supported by US Forest Service pack stock.

Based on the photo above, the smoke is blowing to the east. Users hiking to the east of Jordan Hot Springs could likely be impacted by the smoke. Before heading out, make sure to check in with the Inyo National Forest for the latest information and where you would like to hike should you be entering into the wilderness.

Wildfire: Indian Fire Now at 613 Acres

Photo from InciWeb

Nothing much has changed other than the size of the fire is continuing to grow. The exact new release from the incident is below.

Fire Facts:

Size: 613 acres

Cause: Appears to be lightning

Containment: 0%

Crews: 2

Fuel Type: Whitethorn/Jeffrey pine

Aircraft: 3 helicopters

Location: Golden Trout Wilderness north of the Jordon Hot Springs at 8,400 ft.

Personnel: 52

Yesterday, the fire showed growth to the north and east and backed down and crossed the Red Rock Creek drainage on the east side. Fire behavior includes creeping, smoldering, and backing between dead and down trees with moderate uphill runs when slope and fuels align. Additionally, short range spotting was observed, which encouraged the fire’s spread yesterday.

Aerial resources continue to check the fire’s growth during the day. Today, two crews are being inserted to scout potential safe containment lines. Crews will look to trail systems and natural barriers that can be used for containment.

The fire is burning in the 2002 McNally Fire footprint. Snags (standing dead or dying trees) present a substantial safety concern for fire crews and they will not be working in areas that are unsafe because of these snags. There is currently no threat to life or property.

The forest has implemented an emergency closure of the following trails due to the fire and the substantial hazard created by falling snags:

•Casa Vieja to Red Rock Meadow via Jordon Hot Springs

•Casa Vieja to Red Rock Meadow via Lost Trout Creek (Beer Keg Meadow)

•Red Rock Meadow to Templeton Cow Camp

•Red Rock Meadow to Little Whitney Meadow

Fire crews are using Jordon Hot Springs for fire operations. Smoke is visible and drifting into the southern Owens Valley near Olancha as well as areas throughout the southern Sierra.

Wildfire: Indian Fire up to 325 Acres

Photo from InciWeb

The Indian Fire is estimated to be 325 acres and 0% contained. It continues to grow slowly to the north and east. Three helicopters are being used to cool the fire’s edge and slow fire growth to confine and contain the fire.

Fire behavior includes creeping and smoldering between dead and down trees with moderate uphill runs when slope and fuels align.

The fire is burning in the 2002 McNally Fire footprint in whitethorn brush and Jeffrey pine at 8,400 ft. Snags (standing dead or dying trees) present a substantial safety concern for fire crews, so only aerial resources are being used at this time.

There is currently no threat to life or property.

The forest has implemented an emergency closure of the following trails:

• Casa Vieja to Red Rock Meadow via Jordon Hot Springs
• Casa Vieja to Red Rock Meadow via Lost Trout Creek (Beer Keg Meadow)
• Red Rock Meadow to Templeton Cow Camp
• Red Rock Meadow to Little Whitney Meadow

These closures are due to the fire and due to the substantial hazard created by falling snags. Hikers are advised to avoid this and the nearby area during the fire response. Fire crews are using Jordon Hot Springs for fire operations.

Smoke is visible and drifting into the southern Owens Valley near Olancha as well as areas throughout the southern Sierra.

The fire appears to be lightning-caused and ignited on August 2. It is burning in the Golden Trout Wilderness, near Indian Head Peak, north of the Jordon Hot Springs.

From InciWeb:

Video: Maggie Lakes

Take a 7 minute journey with user Beto Renteria on an overnight trip to Maggie Lakes. See lush green meadows, vista points, one of Maggie Lakes, and more. Here is what Beto noted about the video in case you were curious;

2 day backpacking trip to Maggie Lakes with Tomas C. and Jason M. and some of Jason’s kin from So.Cal. Summitt Trailhead route. 18+ miles. 6 hours in. 4.5 hours out. Weather was warm in the am and dropped to low 50’s at night. Jason caught a 12-15 inch Golden Trout. The trail was pretty rough close the destination. Hard to follow at times and rocky. I got lost for a bit and arrived around 45 minutes later. Beautiful views. Used my GoPro Hero 5 Black and a 3rd person rig I made from PVC pipe.

Wildfire: Indian Fire

Photo from InciWeb

A wildfire is located within the Inyo National Forest side of the Golden Trout Wilderness. Trail closures have been issued and are listed in the press release below. If you were going into Jordan Hot Springs, you will need to redo your plans. See the news below.

Incident: Indian Fire Wildfire
Released: 51 min. ago

Crews continue their response to the Indian Fire. It is estimated to be 220 acres and 0% contained.

The fire is burning in the 2002 McNally Fire footprint in whitethorn brush and Jeffrey pine at 8,400 ft. Snags (standing dead or dying trees) present a substantial safety concern for fire crews, so a modified suppression response is being used. Three helicopters are being used to cool the fire’s edge and slow fire growth to confine and contain the fire.

There is currently no threat to life or property. Moderate fire behavior is being observed with the fire creeping between dead and down trees that fell after the McNally Fire.

The forest is extending the emergency closure of the trails to include:

• Casa Vieja to Red Rock Meadow via Jordon Hot Springs
• Casa Vieja to Red Rock Meadow via Lost Trout Creek (Beer Keg Meadow)
• Red Rock Meadow to Templeton Cow Camp

These closures are due to the fire and due to the substantial hazard created by falling snags. Hikers are advised to avoid this and the nearby area during the fire response. Fire crews are using Jordon Hot Springs for fire operations.

Smoke is visible and drifting into the southern Owens Valley near Olancha as well as areas throughout the southern Sierra.

The fire appears to be lightning-caused and ignited on August 2. It is burning in the Golden Trout Wilderness, near Indian Head Peak, north of the Jordon Hot Springs.

Source: InciWeb

Schaeffer Fire Area Closure Order Ends!

Good news for those wanting to cut over to the eastern portion of the Golden Trout Wilderness. The road closure has been lifted on the Sherman Pass road! Below is directly from the Sequoia National Forest’s public release letter.

Schaeffer Fire Area, Roads, and Trails Closure Rescinded

PORTERVILLE, Calif., July 27, 2017 – Forest Service officials rescinded the Schaeffer Fire Area Closure Order within the Kern River and Western Divide Ranger Districts as of Friday, July 28, 2017. The fire is currently 94% contained. Smoke in the interior may continue for several weeks and fire suppression resources will remain on scene to monitor the area.

Roads and trails within the closure area, including Sherman Pass and Monache roads are now open. Rattlesnake Trail #33E22 will remain closed due to pre-existing conditions. Please remain cautious when visiting the area’s roads and trails. Hazards that remain within the closure area include burning stumps, hot spots, ash, hazard trees, and snags.

The lightning caused Schaeffer Fire started, Saturday, June 24, 2017, when a storm passed through the Kern River Ranger District of the Sequoia National Forest. In the interest of Forest visitor and firefighter health and safety, Forest officials placed the Schaeffer Fire Area Closure Order, July 8, 2017.

For more information, call the Kernville Ranger Station at 760-376-3781. The district office is open 7-days a week, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Exempt from Fire Restrictions

The Sequoia National Forest has issued fire restrictions for the Hume Lake and Western Divide Ranger Districts. However, the Golden Trout Wilderness is an exempt so no worries there. However, traveling through the National Forest to get to the wilderness you still need to follow the restrictions. Below is an exact copy of the public release regarding fire restrictions.

Sequoia National Forest Officials Issue Fire Restrictions

Hume Lake, Kern River and Western Divide Ranger Districts now under fire restrictions.

 

PORTERVILLE, Calif., July 27, 2017 – Campfire and smoking restrictions will be implemented on the Sequoia National Forest, Giant Sequoia National Monument beginning Friday, July 28, 2017 until further notice. These restrictions are deemed necessary to protect public safety and prevent human-caused wildfires.

According to Forest Supervisor Kevin Elliott, campfires below 4,000 feet will not be allowed within the Sequoia National Forest or Giant Sequoia National Monument. “The Sequoia National Forest is experiencing unprecedented tree mortality, with approximately 600,000 acres affected.  These conditions, coupled with twice the normal spring precipitation resulted in a heavy grass fuel load.”

Criteria, officials consider before implementing fire restrictions include current and predicted weather, fuels conditions, fire activity levels and available resources.

Under Forest Orders 0513-17-25 and 0513-17-14 the following is prohibited below 4,000 feet in the Sequoia Nation Forest except in areas listed as exempt:

• No Campfires or charcoal fires are allowed, except, in designated campgrounds and areas posted as “Exempt Areas” in the Forest Order exhibits and with a valid California Campfire Permit. Visitwww.fs.usda.gov/detail/sequoia/notices/?cid=FSEPRD539396 for a list of exempt areas. Free Campfire Permits are available at Forest Service offices and www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfire-Permit.
• No Smoking is permitted, except within enclosed vehicles or buildings, developed recreation sites and other designated areas as listed in the Forest Order exhibits.
• Operating an internal combustion engine off of properly designated roads or trails and welding are all strictly prohibited during the increased fire restriction period.

Fireworks, exploding targets, tracer rounds and other incendiary ammunition or devices are not allowed on the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument at any time. This includes sparklers and so-called safe and sane fireworks.

Visitors, with a valid California Campfire Permit, may use portable stoves and lanterns with shut-off valves, using pressurized gas, liquid fuel, or propane in the general forest areas. Forest visitors must clear all flammable material five feet in all directions from their camp stove, have a shovel available, and ensure that a responsible person attends the stove at all times when in use.

Violation of these fire restrictions is punishable by a fine of no more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization or incarceration for not more than six months, or both.

Reminder!

California Campfire Permits are required for any source of flame or fire and are available for free at all Forest Service offices or online at www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfire-Permit. Campfires must be attended by a responsible person at all times and completely extinguished after use.

Human-caused fires can be prevented.  One less spark can mean one less wildfire.  Do your part to prevent wildfires. To learn more visit www.preventwildfireca.org/one-less-spark-one-less-wildfire.

Forest visitors are encouraged to “Know Before You Go” and call ahead to the local ranger station for local conditions, regulations and bans. For more information contact your local ranger station or visit the Sequoia National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia or call 559-784-1500.