Tag Archives: walker fire

Local News

Drone Reported near walker fire

Fire Officials spot Drone near Walker fire

Lee Vining, CA: Drones are becoming an increasingly popular recreational activity on forest land and throughout the country. However, drones flying near wildland fires pose a serious and immediate threat to the safety of aircraft crews involved in fire response.

Individuals and organizations that fly unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), more commonly referred to as drones, for hobby or recreational purposes may not operate them in areas of National Forest System lands that have Temporary Flight Restrictions in place, such as wildfires, without prior approval from the U.S. Forest Service.

The Federal Aviation Administration has regulatory authority over all airspace, including recreational use of airspace by model aircraft .Individuals and organizations that fly drones on National Forest System lands must follow  FAA guidance – FAA guidance stipulates that UAS not interfere with manned aircraft, be flown within sight of the operator and be operated only for hobby or recreational purposes.  The FAA also requires model aircraft operators flying UAS within five miles of an airport to notify the airport operator and air traffic control tower.  For more information, watch the “Know Before You Fly” video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XF5Q9JvBhxM&feature=youtu.be
and visit the Know Before You Fly Website at http://www.knowbeforeyoufly.org/

 Please, for the safety of our firefighters and for an effective fire response, please keep drones away from the Walker Fire and near heliports.

walker fire, federal aviation administration, drones, mono county
Local News

Walker Fire Update

Thursday Walker Fire Update

Significant progress continues with containment lines on Walker Fire burning approximately two miles southwest of Lee Vining the Walker Fire remains at 3,715 acres. This is a human-caused fire that is still under investigation.

Crews will continue to improve containment lines as well as mop up, which includes extinguishing hot spots to ensure that the fire does not re-ignite. Mitigation efforts also continue on the 65-acre spot fire.

Tioga Pass (Highway120) is open without an escort. However, there will be no stopping along the eastern four miles of the road. This will be strictly enforced. The fire remains active to the south of the road and this is essential for firefighter and public safety.

The fire is burning in mixed conifer, mahogany, and brush. Critical sage grouse habitat is also threatened. Visitors and residents should expect to see smoke from the June Lake and Lee Vining areas and along Highway 395.

For the safety of our firefighters, effective air operations and continued containment efforts, please keep drones away from the Walker Fire and near heliports.

Closures and Evacuations:
⦁ Walker Lake “Fishing Camp” has been evacuated.
⦁ A CodeRed Emergency Alert notice has been issued for Lee Vining and everything north of Double Eagle in June Lake (including Silver Lake and Grant Lake areas) for potential evacuations.
⦁ Campgrounds in the Lower Lee Vining Canyon have been evacuated and are closed, including Lower Lee Vining, Moraine, Boulder, Aspen Grove, and Big Bend Campgrounds.
⦁ The Walker Lake Road (1N17), the Parker Lake Rd. (1S25), the Upper Horse Meadows Rd. (1N16), and the Gibbs Road (1N18) are closed for fire operations and public safety. All of these roads are accessed via the northern end of the June Lake Loop. All spur roads off of these roads are also closed. The trail to Mono Pass (trailhead is at Walker Lake) is closed.

Approximately 477 firefighters are on scene as well as numerous aircraft, dozers, and engines. Resources from Mono County, local fire departments, Cal Fire, neighboring forests, BLM Bishop Field Office, and the Mono County Sheriff’s Office are assigned.  For more information on the Walker Fire you can go to the following sites: Inciweb: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4515/

Date Started: 8/14/2015
Cause: Human Total Personnel: 477
Injuries/Illnesses to Date: 0
Size: 3,715 acres Structures Threatened: 235
Percent Contained: 45%
Resources: 3 Helicopters, 0 Seats, 0 Air Tankers
34, Engines Crews, 6 Water Tenders, 2 Dozers Structures Lost: 0
Estimated Containment: 8/23/2015

walker fire, drought 2015, cal fire, us forest service, mono county
Local News

Fire Map for Wednesday, August 19

California Wildfire map for Wednesday, August 19

Firefighters statewide are battling fires throughout the state of California.  Locally the Rough fire in Fresno County is producing smoke in the Eastern Sierra and is now threatening structures near Hume Lake.  The Walker fire near Lee Vining is now 35% contained and the Eagle 2 fire near Bridgeport is holding at 120 acres.

 

fire wed

california wildfires, drought 2015, walker fire, rough fire, eagle 2 fire
Local News

Walker Fire now 35% contained

Crews reach 35% containment of Walker Fire

Lee Vining, CA: Burning approximately two miles southwest of Lee Vining the Walker Fire remains at 3,715 acres. This is a human-caused fire that is still under investigation.
Crews continue to improve containment lines and begin mop up in certain areas of the fire. Mop up efforts also continue on the 65-acre spot fire.
Tioga Pass (Highway120) is open without an escort. However, there will be no stopping along the eastern six miles of the road. This will be strictly enforced. The fire remains active to the south of the road and this is essential for firefighter and public safety.
The fire is burning in mixed conifer, mahogany, and brush. Critical sage grouse habitat is also threatened. Visitors and residents should expect to see smoke from the June Lake and Lee Vining areas and along Highway 395.

Closures and Evacuations:
⦁    Walker Lake “Fishing Camp” has been evacuated.
⦁    A CodeRed Emergency Alert notice has been issued for Lee Vining and everything north of Double Eagle in June Lake (including Silver Lake and Grant Lake areas) for potential evacuations.
⦁    Campgrounds in the Lower Lee Vining Canyon have been evacuated and are closed, including Lower Lee Vining, Moraine, Boulder, Aspen Grove, and Big Bend Campgrounds.
⦁    Law Enforcement will be escorting campers into the Lower Lee Vining Canyon campgrounds to collect any gear left behind during evacuations. Escorts will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. today. Affected campers will be allowed in with escort only. Campers are asked to meet Law Enforcement on Hwy 120 at Vista Point Drive. If an officer is not there, please wait patiently at the three cones.
⦁    The Walker Lake Road (1N17), the Parker Lake Rd. (1S25), the Upper Horse Meadows Rd. (1N16), and the Gibbs Road (1N18) are closed for fire operations and public safety. All of these roads are accessed via the northern end of the June Lake Loop. All spur roads off of these roads are also closed. The trail to Mono Pass (trailhead is at Walker Lake) is closed.
Approximately 484 firefighters are on scene as well as numerous aircraft, dozers, and engines. Resources from Mono County, local fire departments, Cal Fire, neighboring forests, BLM Bishop Field Office, and the Mono County Sheriff’s Office are assigned.  For more information on the Walker Fire you can go to the following sites: Inciweb: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4515/

Date Started: 8/14/2015
Cause: Human Total Personnel: 484
Injuries/Illnesses to Date: 0
Size: 3,715 acres Structures Threatened: 235
Percent Contained: 35%
Resources: 4 helicopters, 0 seats, 2 Air tankers Engines 34, Crews 10, Water Tenders 6, Dozers 4 Structures Lost: 0
Estimated Containment: 8/23/2015

walker fire, mono county news, eastern sierra news, lee vining news, mono county sheriffs department
Local News

Walker Fire, Tuesday Morning Update

Walker Fire 20% contained

Quick Facts
size: 3,613 acres.
containment: 20%.
estimated full contianment: Sunday, 8/23/15.
cause: Human…under investigation.
location: 2 miles southwest of Lee Vining.

total personnel: 471.  From the US Forest Service:

Lee Vining, CA: The Walker Fire is currently burning approximately two miles southwest of Lee Vining. This is a human-caused fire that is still under investigation.
Crews held the fire last night and continue to improve containment lines.Crews will continue to maintain and strengthen the fire line today as well as mopping up the 65-acre hot spot.
Due to more accurate mapping, the fire size is now at 3,613 acres.
Tioga Pass (Highway120) is open without an escort. However, there will no stopping along the eastern six miles of the road. This will be strictly enforced. The fire remains active to the south of the road and this is essential for firefighter and public safety.
The fire is burning in mixed conifer, mahogany, and brush. Critical sage grouse habitat is also threatened. Visitors and residents should expect to see smoke from the June Lake and Lee Vining areas and along Highway 395.

Closures and Evacuations:
⦁    Walker Lake “Fishing Camp” has been evacuated.
⦁    A CodeRed Emergency Alert notice has been issued for Lee Vining and everything north of Double Eagle in June Lake (including Silver Lake and Grant Lake areas) for potential evacuations.
⦁    Campgrounds in the Lower Lee Vining Canyon have been evacuated and are closed, including Lower Lee Vining, Moraine, Boulder, Aspen Grove, and Big Bend Campgrounds.
⦁    The Walker Lake Road (1N17), the Parker Lake Rd. (1S25), the Upper Horse Meadows Rd. (1N16), and the Gibbs Road (1N18) are closed for fire operations and public safety. All of these roads are accessed via the northern end of the June Lake Loop. All spur roads off of these roads are also closed. The trail to Mono Pass (trailhead is at Walker Lake) is closed.

Approximately 471 firefighters are on scene as well as numerous aircraft, dozers, and engines. Resources from Mono County, local fire departments, Cal Fire, neighboring forests, BLM Bishop Field Office, and the Mono County Sheriff’s Office are assigned.  For more information on the Walker Fire you can got to the following sites: Inciweb: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4515/

walker fire, eastern sierra news, drought 2015, us forest service, mono county news
Local News

Walker Fire, Monday Update

Crews continue to suppress the Walker Fire

Quick Facts
size: 3,700 acres.
containment: 10%.
cause: Human…under investigation.
location: 2 miles southwest of Lee Vining.

total personnel: 400.  From the US Forest Service:

Air Support and Ground Crews continue to suppress Walker Fire

Lee Vining, CA: At 6:00a.m., the Sierra Front Type III Incident Management Team led by Incident Commander, Nate Rasner, took over management of the Walker Fire.

 The fire was first reported on August 14, 2015, at approximately 9:31p.m., and is currently burning approximately two miles southwest of Lee Vining. The fire is estimated at 3,700 acres with a 75 acre spot fire in Horseshoe Meadows.  This is a human-caused fire that is still under investigation.

 Last night crews made significant progress was made with dozers and hand crews securing direct lines at the heel of the fire. Today, firefighters throughout the region will continue to suppress the Walker Fire constructing containment lines on the west, south, and eastern flanks, supported by air operations. The northern flank is showing active fire behavior and has led to further evacuations in Lee Vining Canyon (upper canyon campgrounds) and the closure of Highway 120 West (Tioga Pass) between 395 and the Yosemite National Park. Highway 120 will remain closed until noon tomorrow and will be reevaluated at that time if the pass can be reopened. Crews will continue to strengthen firelines focusing on the northern flank. The fire is burning is mixed conifer, mahogany, and brush. Critical sage grouse habitat is also threatened. Visitors and residents should expect to see smoke from the June Lake and Lee Vining area and along Highway 395.

  Closures and Evacuations:

·Walker Lake “Fishing Camp” has been evacuated.

·A CodeRed Emergency Alert notice has been issued for Lee Vining and everything north of Double Eagle in June Lake (including Silver Lake and Grant Lake areas) for potential evacuations.  

·Highway 120 West (Tioga Pass) is closed between Highway 395 and the Yosemite National Park Entrance.

·Campgrounds in the entire Lee Vining Canyon have been evacuated and are closed, including Lower Lee Vining, Moraine, Boulder, Aspen Grove, Big Bend, Junction, Ellery Lake, Tioga Lake Campground, Sawmill, and Saddlebag Campgrounds.

·The Tioga Pass and Saddlebag Resorts are under an evacuation advisory.

·The Walker Lake Road (1N17), the Parker Lake Rd. (1S25), the Upper Horse Meadows Rd. (1N16), and the Gibbs Road (1N18) are closed for fire operations and public safety. All of these roads are accessed via the northern end of the June Lake Loop. All spur roads off of these roads are also closed. The trail to Mono Pass (trailhead is at Walker Lake) is closed.

·The Lee Vining area is becoming a center of fire operations and it is suggested that visitors should avoid this area.

.Approximately 400 firefighters are on scene as well as numerous aircraft, dozers, and engines. Resources from Mono County, local fire departments, Cal Fire, neighboring forests BLM Bishop Field Office, and the Mono County Sheriff’s Office are assigned.

walker fire, lee vining california, highway 120 west, june lake
Local News

Walker Fire

Walker Fire Update

A Monday Morning update is due soon, here is the Sunday evening information on the Walker fire burning south of Lee Vining.  The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

From the US Forest services Sunday PM update:

The Walker Fire is estimated to be 2,200 acres and is 10% contained. The fire is northeast of Walker Lake and west of Lee Vining Canyon.

Update: Additional fire crews arrived Sunday. Fire crews made good progress on line construction Sunday on the west, south, and eastern flanks, supported by air operations. However, the northern flank showed active fire behavior Sunday afternoon and evening and led to further evacuations in Lee Vining Canyon (upper canyon campgrounds). Crews will continue to strengthen firelines tonight, focusing on the northern flank. Active fire behavior is expected Sunday night with low night-time relative humidity recovery.

Nate Rasner’s Type 3 Sierra Front team arrived Sunday and was briefed on the Walker Fire. They assume command of the fire Monday morning at 6:00 am. The team will have a fire information line, 760-647-6472, to handle public and media inquiries.

Closures and Evacuations:

·         Walker Lake “Fishing Camp” has been evacuated.

·         A CodeRed Emergency Alert notice has been issued for Lee Vining and everything north of Double Eagle in June Lake (including Silver Lake and Grant Lake areas) for potential evacuations.

·         Campgrounds in the entire Lee Vining Canyon have been evacuated and are closed, including Lower Lee Vining, Moraine, Boulder, Aspen Grove, Big Bend, Junction, Ellery Lake, Tioga Lake Campground, Sawmill, and Saddlebag Campgrounds.

·         The Tioga Pass and Saddlebag Resorts are under an evacuation advisory.

·         The Walker Lake Road (1N17), the Parker Lake Rd. (1S25), the Upper Horse Meadows Rd. (1N16), and the Gibbs Road (1N18) are closed for fire operations and public safety. All of these roads are accessed via the northern end of the June Lake Loop. All spur roads off of these roads are also closed. The trail to Mono Pass (trailhead is at Walker Lake) is closed.

·         The Lee Vining area is becoming a center of fire operations and it is suggested that visitors should avoid this area.

The fire is burning is mixed conifer, mahogany, and brush. Critical sage grouse habitat is also threatened. Visitors and residents should expect to see smoke from the June Lake and Lee Vining area and along Highway 395.

Approximately 350 firefighters are on scene as well as numerous aircraft, dozers, and engines. Resources from Mono County, local fire departments, Cal Fire, neighboring forests BLM Bishop Field Office, and the Mono County Sheriff’s Office are assigned.  The cause of the fire is under investigation.

walker fire, lee vining, june lake, drought 2015