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.

Wilson Fire burning north of Mono Lake

Firefighters work on getting the small Wilson Fire out. Photo courtesy of John Ljung.
The small Wilson Fire is burning north of Mono Lake just off of Highway 167. Photo courtesy of John Ljung.

A small wildfire is burning north of Mono Lake after igniting last night. From the Inyo National Forest press release:

“Fire crews are responding to the Wilson Fire. The fire is north of Mono Lake, along the south of Highway 167 and three miles east of Highway 395.

“The fire is 16 acres and 5% contained at this time and burning in sagebrush and grass. Fire crews have constructed an initial fire line around the Wilson Fire and

a hose lay is in place. Crews will continue to strengthen the fire line today and will work towards complete mop-up of the fire. Responders include Forest Service, BLM, Mono City, Lee Vining, June Lake and Mammoth Lake Fire Departments, and Cal Fire.

“Crews expect hot and dry conditions today and down canyon winds in the afternoon that could increase fire activity and challenge containment lines. Fire managers advise travelers along Highway 167 to slow down near the fire area since crews will be working along the road corridor.

“The cause of the fire is under investigation but appears to be human-caused.”

With summertime hot, dry, and windy conditions in the Mono Basin it’s important to be very careful with anything that can cause a spark or fire. In addition, expanded fire restrictions are in place in the Inyo National Forest.

Photo courtesy of John Ljung.
Firefighters from the agencies and several local departments are working to get the fire contained. Photo courtesy of John Ljung.

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