Photos by R.D. Cohan

Photos by R.D. Cohan

Update Saturday from USFS: 

Conway Fire Mapped at 50 Acres

The Conway Fire is now mapped at 50 acres and is burning in sagebrush with some scattered pinyon pine and juniper trees.  Fire crews were able to walk the fire perimeter of the fire last night to accurately map it; this reflects the reduced acreage. The fire is 25 % contained.

Night crews made excellent progress last night. There is initial fireline around the Conway Fire at this time. Fire crews will continue to strengthen and improve these lines today and are mopping up to cool the fire’s edge.

The fire is located south of Conway Summit on the west side of Highway 395. There are no structures threatened at this time; however, there are power lines nearby.

US Hwy 395 is open. Motorists driving through the area are advised to slow down near fire operations for their own safety as well as the safety of firefighters working near the road.

There are numerous fire resources on scene including:

  • 5 Engines (1 strike team)
    •             2 Water Tenders
    •             1 Dozer
    •             2 Helicopters (1 Type 1 and 1 Type 3)
    •             2 hand crews

The interagency response includes US Forest Service, BLM, Cal Fire, local fire departments including Bridgeport FD, Lee Vining FD, June Lake FD, and Mammoth Lakes FD, California Highway Patrol, Mono County Sheriff, Cal Fire, and Southern Californian Edison.  Excellent interagency cooperation was significant to the good progress made in the fire suppression response that ensured safety of crews as well as motorists on the road.

An incident command post has been established at the Lee Vining Ranger Station. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The Conway Fire is projected to be contained on September 15th.

# # #

 

Deb Schweizer

Public Affairs Specialist

Inyo National Forest

Update Friday night: I know many of you may have been following the wildland fire just west of US 395 and north of Lee Vining today.  There was a complete roadway closure for several hours this afternoon followed by several hours of vehicle traffic being escorted by California Highway Patrol (CHP) and Department of Transportation (DOT) (Caltrans) personnel.  As of 10:00 PM, US 395 is completely open and travel is unrestricted.  Motorist should be aware that a change in weather or fire behavior could quickly, and without notice, result in US 395 being closed.  Motorist are asked to slow down and use caution on US 395 between Lee Vining and Virginia Lakes Road (the top on Conway Summit) as firefighting personnel will be working throughout the night.  Motorists should pay attention to both Nevada DOT and California DOT Changeable Messages Signs indicating the roadway conditions ahead. – CHP Lt. Ron Cohan

Update:  CHP and DOT (Caltrans) is providing one-way alternating traffic control between SR 167 (Pole Line Road) and Virginia Lakes Road on US 395.  The USFS is hoping both fire behavior and weather allow them to clear fire equipment from the southbound lane sometime before midnight.  CHP will continue one-way alternating traffic escorts as long as the southbound traffic lane is needed for fire operations. Between now and midnight motorists should expect delays of between 30 and 60 minutes related to fire operations and CHP/DOT escorts through the 

 

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Conway Fire Now 75 Acres

The Conway Fire is now estimated to be 75 acres and is burning in sagebrush. Crews have made progress with line construction assisted by air resources that are providing retardant and water drops. The fire is at 10% containment at this time.

The fire is located south of Conway Summit on the west side of Highway 395. There are no structures threatened at this time; however, there are power lines nearby.

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Crews have been ordered and will work a night shift to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and calmer winds that will moderate fire activity.

Traffic is now being escorted from SR 167 to Virginia Lakes Road on US Hwy 395. It had been previously closed. Motorists should be aware there may be potentially long delays.

There are numerous fire resources on scene including:

  • 10 Engines (2 strike teams)
    •             3 Water Tenders
    •             Air Attack
    •             Air Tanker
    •             2 Helicopters
    •             4 hand crews

conwayfire1Additional assistance is being provided by California Highway Patrol, Mono County Sheriff, Cal Fire, and local fire departments.

An incident command post has been established at the Lee Vining Ranger Station. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

 

Conway Fire Grows to Forty Acres (USFS press release)

The Conway Fire, detected earlier this afternoon, has grown to 40 acres. The fire is displaying rapid rates of spread.

The fire is located at the base of Conway Summit on the west side of Highway 395. There are no structures threatened at this time; however, there are power lines nearby.

Highway 395 (northbound and southbound lanes) is closed for the fire response. There is no estimate at this time for when the road will re-open.

There are numerous fire resources on scene including:

  •  5 Engines
  •  1 Water Tender
  •  Air Attack
  •  Air Tanker
  •  2 Helicopters
  •  2 Cal Fire hand crews

Additional assistance is being provided by California Highway Patrol, Mono County Sherriff, and Cal Fire. More resources are being ordered.

Deb Schweizer

Public Affairs Specialist

Inyo National Forest

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