Round Fire Update
Sunday, February 8th, 12:30 pm Update
The containment percentage is holding at 65, however officials at cal fire are hopeful that number will increase significantly as work continues today. Over 500 firefighters remain committed to the effort. The mandatory evacuation of swall meadows and paradise remains in place due to hazards in the area. Cal Fire spokespersons Bennett Milloy said that fire damaged trees are a major safety concern along with 50 plus utility poles that Southern California Edison is working to stabilize. Milloy said that erratic winds are also a major concern. The spokesman for Cal fire said that getting residents back to their homes is a priority, but the area must be secured.
In regards to donations, Tawni Thomson at the Bishop Chamber of Commerce indicates that the community has donated items in almost overwhelming fashion. Thomson says that right now the best way to give is to donate gift cards to local businesses. The donation center at the patio building at the tri-county fair continues to receive donations of basic items, but right now the best way to give is to donate gift cards. Thomson says the need go give will be ongoing, and a better assessment of what is needed will be clear in coming days. Thomson also urges those who need assistance to please come to the patio building to receive what the community has so generously donated. Those who would like to donate money can do so through alta one federal credit union on north main street Bishop.
Sunday, February 8th, 7:45am
Official update from Cal Fire on the Round Fire as of the morning briefing:
Location: Paradise and Swall Meadows
Acreage: 7,000 acres
Containment: 65% (estimating full containment on Tuesday)
Injuries: 3 firefighters (minor injuries)
Cause: Under Investigation
Structures Destroyed: 40 residences destroyed / 5 damaged
Current structures threatened: No immediate threats
Total personnel assigned: 500+
Current situation: downed powered lines make re-entry for homeowners hazardous and unsafe. A re-population plan is being created and we will provide that information as soon as it is available. Until the area is safe, no homeowners will be allowed entry into their homes.
Evacuation Center: Crowley Lake Community Center. Red Cross will also be at the community center today to help with immediate financial aid for any homeowner who lost their home.
Cooperating agencies: Cal Fire (lead), Inyo National Forest, Paradise Fire, Inyo County Sheriff’s Office, Mono County Sheriff’s Office, CHP, Caltrans
Verizon update: There was a fiber optic line that was burned in the area of Swall Meadows. Verizon crews are working cooperatively with fire personnel to get the line fixed. Please be patient as Verizon crews work to restore cell phone service in the midst of this fire.
Fire Information Line: (909) 881-6949
From the Salvation Army,
Any Victims of the Round Fire – this includes any and all people that have lost their homes in the Swallow Meadows and Paradise areas: We can help you. We have been working with the Bishop Chamber of Commerce along with the Eastern Sierra Tri-County Fairgrounds and we have emergency shelter, clothing, bedding, toiletries and food. There are other things we can help with, please call us. We can even help you with your livestock if need be. Please give us a call at 760-872-2124 or come by to our office at 621 W. Line Street, in Bishop.
For those wanting to donate – donations of clothing, bedding, dog/cat food and toiletries (anything that you can think of that you may need if you were in this situation) can be taken to the Eastern Sierra Tri-County Fairgrounds Patio Building. Any donations of food, please bring to The Salvation Army at 621 W. Line Street. After Sunday, February 8th, all donations can be dropped of at The Salvation Army at 621 W. Line Street. For more information how you can help, please give us a call at 760-872-2124.
The Bishop Vet hospital, pampered pooches and relaxing fur kennels are offering pet boarding for those in need.
Photos by Gary Young
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