Photos by R.D. Cohan

Photo by R.D. Cohan

Update: 

June Fire- Continued Progress, Evacuation Orders lifted

The June Fire is now 65 acres and 65% contained.

Today, firefighters were successful in cooling hot spots along the fires edge while multiple crews continued to improve fireline on the southeast flank as well as continuing line construction to the north and western flanks, focusing on containment lines in and around homes. As a result of these efforts, evacuations orders were lifted today at 2 pm. All roadways and campgrounds are open to residents and visitors with the exception of the Reversed Creek Campground.

June Lake is now open to visitors and residents. However, Gull Lake remains closed for boats and flotation devices as Gull Lake may continue to be used as dipping site for aerial operations.

Residents should be aware that firefighters will be working in and around the roadways 24 hours a day and residents are asked to please drive carefully. Residents may still see and smell smoke from the fire lofting in the area.

There are concerns remaining this evening as winds continue over the fire area. Firefighters continue to mop-up and patrol in and around homes. There have been no reports of damage to property.

A community meeting is scheduled for the community of June Lake to be held at the June Lake Community Center located at 90 W. Granite Ave, June Lake, Ca 93529. U.S. Forest Service staff and fire incident commanders will be briefing the community on the progress of the fire.

Verizon Wireless was able to repair their fiber optic line and restore cell service to the area late today.

The cause of the fire is remains under investigation.

Please look for updates on the forest’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/inyonf) and Mono County Sheriff’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/pages/Mono-County-Sheriffs-Department).

Numerous resources from California Office of Emergency Services, CHP, Cal Trans, Cal Fire, Mono County, Inyo County, local fire departments, US Forest Service, and BLM are continuing to assist. These include:

10 Hand Crews, 16 Engines, 2 Helicopters, 3 Dozers, 9 Water Tenders for a total of 374 personnel.

 

Update: 

June Fire Evacuation Orders Liifted

Lee Vining, CA- effective at 2:00 pm today, the evacuation orders for the June Lake area are

Photo by Tom Okeefe

Photo by Tom OKeefe

to be lifted. All residences, businesses and Forest campgrounds will be open to the public with the exception of the Reversed Creek Campground which, will remain closed.

Residents and vistors are asked to drive with caution as firefighters and fire equipment may still be working on or near the roadways. Residents and visitors may still see and smell some lingering smoke in the area.

We would like to thank the residents of June Lake for their cooperation and support during firefighting operations.

June Fire Continues to Hold at 65 Acres

The June Fire is estimated to be 65 acres and 50% contained.

Last night, limited fire activity was observed. Heavy fuels continue to burn, but remain within the fire perimeter. Crews continued to monitor, patrol, and mop-up hot spots along the fire’s edge last night. However, snags (burning trees) posed safety concerns for firefighters that limited some night operations.

Today, firefighters will continue to construct and improve containment lines as well as attack hot spots that may compromise the containment line.

Strong, erratic, and gusty winds over the fire area remain a concern for today. Firefighters on the ground as well as aerial resources are being diligent to try to detect possible spots outside the fire perimeter as a result of continued winds.

A Type 2 Incident Management Team has assumed command of the fire this morning. The Incident Command Post is located in Lee Vining.

Evacuations remain in effect and are mandatory east of June Mountain and south of Hwy 158.  Highway 158 is closed between  Oh Ridge and Rainbow Lane. Closures along the Highway 158 corridor were better defined today and will be strictly enforced. Do not enter closure areas—numerous firefighters and equipment are in these areas. The closures are for your safety and firefighter safety.

There are no reports of damage to property at this time and structure protection is in place.  Mono County Sheriff will continue to provide escorts for evacuated residents. These brief escorts allow residents to gather essential needs from their home.

June Lake and Gull Lake remain closed for boats and flotation devices as these lakes mail be used as dipping sites for aerial operations. The Reversed Creek Campground, the June Lake Campground, and the Gull Lake Campground remain closed.

Power to residents in the June Lake area has been restored. A section of fiber optic cable was burned in the fire—affecting cell coverage in June Lake. Verizon is working to replace the cable as soon as it is safe to do so.

Numerous resources from California Office of Emergency Services, CHP, Cal Trans, Cal Fire, Mono County, Inyo County, local fire departments, US Forest Service, and BLM are assisting. These include:

15 Hand Crews
4 Helicopters
14 Engines
3 Dozers
11 Water Tenders

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Please look for updates on the forest’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/inyonf) and Mono County Sheriff’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/pages/Mono-County-Sheriffs-Department).

 

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