Rough Fire causing Haze in the Eastern Sierra
The lightning caused fire near Hume Lake is having an effect on Eastern Sierra air quality. The fire started back on July 31st, but has grown rapidly in recent days. Here is the latest Forest Service update on the Rough Fire:
Summary
At this time the fire continues to follow the terrain, creating a mosaic effect between burned and unburned fuels. It continues to grow at a slow to moderate rate of spread in all directions; moving north towards Spanish Mountain; east into the Monarch Wilderness, crossing over Brush Canyon and backing down to Tombstone Creek; west into Rough Creek and south towards Kings River. A rapid rate of spread can be anticipated if the terrain, fuels and weather align together.
Wednesday additional overhead from a National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) team will join the Sierra National Forest, Type 3 organization in managing the fire.
Closures
Currently there are no closures on the Sierra or Sequoia National Forests. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks remain fully open with no closures.
Visitors may experience smoke impacts in many popular recreational areas including Wishon Reservoir, Hume Lake and Cedar Grove area. For air quality updates visit http://www.valleyair.org/aqinfo/forecast.htm for more information.
Fire Restrictions
Fire restrictions are in place for the Sierra National Forest. Campfires are only allowed in designated developed recreation sites.
statistics
Acres burned: 5,226
Containment: 0%
Fire Start: July 31, 2015
Cause: Lightening
Total personnel: 217
COVER PHOTO BY GARY YOUNG. Monday Evening view from Bishop.