Photo - R.D. Cohan

Update:

June Fire Grows to 65 Acres- Crews Make Good Progress

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

Today, a coordinated effort included strategic retardant and water drops to help “box the fire”

Photos by R.D. Cohan

Photos by R.D. Cohan

and cool hot spots along the edge while multiple crews improved fireline on the southeast flank as well as continuing line construction to the north and western flanks.  Crews used the shaded fuel break to assist in line construction near the community. The fire is burning in an area with multiple dead and downed trees in the mixed conifer forest.

The concern for today was strong, erratic, and gusty winds over the fire area. Firefighters on the ground as well as air attack are being diligent to try to detect possible spots outside the fire perimeter as a result of this wind event.

A Type 2 Incident Management Team has arrived. SoCal Team 3, under Incident Commander Mike Wakoski, received a briefing the local fire staff this evening. The Incident Command Post is being set up in Lee Vining.

 

Photo - Tom Okeefe

Photo – Tom Okeefe

Evacuations remain in effect and are mandatory east of June Mountain and south of Hwy 158.  Highway 158 is closed at the south junction with Highway 395 and remains closed north to 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 began escorts for evacuated residents today. These brief escorts allow residents to gather essential needs from their home. Mono County Social Services has opened the June Lake Community Center  as an emergency shelter.

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

Southern California Edison has powered down power lines at the request of firefighters for firefighter safety. Additionally a section of fiber optic cable was burned in fire—affecting cell coverage in June Lake. Verizon is ready 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.

The cause of the fire is 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).

June Fire Estimated to be 50 Acres

The June Fire, which started at the base of June Mountain yesterday, is estimated to be 50 acres and 0% contained.  Fire behavior includes torching, spotting, and active runs.

Night crews made good progress constructing line along the south flank of the fire, which is nearest to the community. Burning operations were conducted along this line to remove fuels that could feed the main fire. Crews also began line construction along the eastern flank of the fire (near June Mountain Ski Area) and working up the mountain.

The focus today will remain on securing and anchoring this southeast flank and then to continue line construction along the fire’s edge further up the mountain.  Cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity is in the forecast today; however erratic and gusty winds are forecast for the fire area today.

A Type 2 Incident Management Team has been ordered. SoCal Team 3, under Incident Commander Mike Wakoski, is travelling today and will in-brief with the local fire staff this evening.

Structures are threatened.  Evacuations are mandatory east of June Mountain and south of Hwy 158.  Highway 158 is closed at the south junction with Highway 395 and remains closed north to Rainbow Lane. Closures along the Highway 158 corridor will be 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 begin escorts for evacuated residents today. These escorts will be brief and allow residents to gather essential needs from their home. Mono County Social Services has opened the June Lake Community Center  as an emergency shelter.

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

Southern California Edison has powered down power lines at the request of firefighters for firefighter safety. This is affecting cell coverage and power in the area.

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

The cause of the fire is 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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