The Forks Fire burning in the Buttermilk Country west of Bishop, led fire fighters to close highway 168 into the Bishop Creek Drainage. With the fire and the closed roads, the campgrounds, lodges and local businesses were shut down as well. That has changed.

Fighter fighters now have the upper hand on the 3200 acre fire and the highway has been re-opened to allow fishing, camping, hiking, backpacking, horseback riding and other recreation to continue as usual along Bishop Creek.

lake_sabrinaConsidering the size and potential threat to homes in Aspendell over the weekend, the fire left few scars visible to most people that head up to enjoy the high country. The fire never touched the South Fork of Bishop Creek and the South Lake area. Fire scars are barely noticeable in the North Fork of Bishop Creek. By being down in the Canyon, staff at the Cardinal Village Resort, explained that the actual fire blackened area is not even visible from the resort located in the community of Aspendell.

Further up the North Fork, Rick and Patti, who run the Lake Sabrina Boat Landing, report that they are open for business and ready to help anglers catch a full creel. Patti says that the fire fighters did a terrific job and that the only fire in the canyon was a bit of slosh over where the fire burned down toward the Big Trees Campground.

With fire fighters now headed off to other hot spots around the state, its time for residents and visitors to head back up Bishop Creek to play.

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