Depending on which way the wind blows, fires burning on the west slope of the Sierra could send more smoke our way.

The Moonlight fire near Susanville continues to burn, but fire officials list this wildfire at 64,000 acres and 58% contained. Closer to home, a smaller source of smoke is the Grouse fire. Its burning in the back-country along the Kern River in the Golden Trout Wilderness, just about due west of Olancha.

This lightning-caused fire is listed as 1022 acres in size and 67% contained. Forest officials report that firefighters have constructed hand line on the

south and west flanks to secure the fires perimeter, but the northern boundary of the fire is in steep, rocky terrain and wont be lined by a fire break.

Web camera shots confirm that fire activity has died down compared to previous weeks. As this fire winds down, the Upper Peppermint Campground is scheduled to be re-opened this weekend. Some trail closures do remain in effect.

The Zaca Fire near Santa Barbara, which sent a lot of smoke into the Eastern Sierra this summer is now listed at 100% contained and a total of 240,200 acres burned.

That large fire may be burning down but the fire season doesnt end until the snow flies. Forest Officials recently issued a press release that re-affirmed fire restrictions remain in effect and urged caution.

 

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