Lightning storms that rolled through the Eastern Sierra over the weekend sparked one new wildfire near Sonora Pass. Another wildfire near Mono Lakes is listed as human caused.

Sunday evening fire fighters headed out to a new blaze near the Marine Base at Pickle Meadows. At last word the fire, called the Silver Creek fire, had burned 350 acres and was still growing. Air Attack, including larger tankers and SEAT planes flew out of Minden to work the fire.

Forest officials say that there was some rain with the lightning storm that likely sparked this blaze, but not enough to stop the flames. Today the air attack and ground attack continued, but the temperatures were rising and winds had picked up at last word.

Leavitt Campground has been evacuated and livestock in the area has been moved to the Wheeler Guard Station.

Highway 108 over Sonora Pass had been closed, but was re-opened at last word. No structures are listed as threatened.

Just after noon on Saturday what is being called a human caused fire started near Tioga Lodge on the west shore of Mono Lake. The fire appeared to be mopped up by Sunday evening, but with structures nearby, fire officials took quick action sending several fire engines, hand crews, and aircraft.

The quick work kept the fire out of the buildings along 395. Forest officials report the fire was contained at about 50 acres in size.

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