Sunrise light on a grove of tufa towers emerging from the water of Mono Lake with soft green and dusty-red wild grasses in the foreground, Canada geese in the shallow water with reflections of the rocky towers, and desert hills in the distance.

Owens River Fire update: Monday morning

Sunrise light on a grove of tufa towers emerging from the water of Mono Lake with soft green and dusty-red wild grasses in the foreground, Canada geese in the shallow water with reflections of the rocky towers, and desert hills in the distance.

This post was written by Gabrielle Renteria, 2015 Bookstore Assistant, 2016 Mono Lake Intern, 2016–2018 Project Specialist.

The Owens River Fire has grown to 6,000 acres and is now 20% contained. Four uninhabited outbuildings have been destroyed.

Air crews work hard to contain the Owens River Fire. Photo by Justin Benttinen. Courtesy of InciWeb.
Air crews work hard to contain the Owens River Fire. Photo by Justin Benttinen, courtesy of InciWeb.

Firefighters are working hard to protect additional structures and contain spot fires along the western flank. Today’s weather remains hot and dry with a chance of increased wind from the southwest. The Big Springs Campground and Clark Canyon are still closed as well as Owens River Road and the Whitmore Springs Roads; officials ask that you avoid Bald Mountain Road as well, to ensure the safety of fire crews and yourself. Smoke continues to be visible from Bishop to Lee Vining. There are nine hand crews, 48 engines, three air tankers, seven helicopters, three dozers, six water tenders, and 483 people assigned to the incident.

Map of the Owens River Fire. Courtesy of Inyo National Forest.
Map of the Owens River Fire as 0f September 18. Courtesy of the Inyo National Forest.

Thank you again to all the men and women working to contain this fire!

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2 Comments

  1. Thank you for the updates. Is there any word on the cause? Hoping it can get contained more than it gets bigger. Thank you firefighters! Be safe.