Firefighters achieve notable advancement in Mono County conflagration, compelling evacuations.
Firefighters Make Strides Containing the Inn Fire Near Yosemite National Park and Mammoth Mountain
Firefighters are making steady progress in containing a slow-moving brush fire, known as the Inn fire, located near Yosemite National Park and Mammoth Mountain. It originated on Thursday afternoon off Highway 395 in Mono County, quickly expanding to over 500 acres by nightfall, necessitating evacuations in large parts of Mono City and Lundy Canyon.
However, as weather improved on Saturday evening, CalTrans reopened the highway for one-way traffic, and Mono County Sheriff's Office downgraded evacuation orders to advisories, enabling residents to return home. As of 10 a.m. Sunday, the fire had expanded to 726 acres, but containment had increased overnight from 0% to 15%.
Fire officials reported minimal fire behavior, with creeping and smoldering observed throughout the day. Crews from Cal Fire, Inyo National Forest, and local departments are working tirelessly to contain the blaze, focusing on creating containment lines. Bulldozers are being used to clear lines on the north edge of the fire to halt its advance, while ground crews manually dig containment lines on the remaining perimeter where the terrain is too rough for heavy equipment, especially on the west flank of the fire.
"We can't get dozers up on the west flank of the fire," Lisa Cox, public affairs officer for Inyo National Forest, explained. "It's extremely rough, rugged territory."
As of Sunday morning, there were five helicopters, 16 engines, and 686 personnel assigned to the fire. The mild weather forecast for the next few days means fire officials don't anticipate additional road closures or new evacuation orders.
Mono Lake, a popular destination for hikers, kayakers, and birdwatchers, located over 6,300 feet above sea level, is reflected in its nearly 70-square-mile surface and offers stunning views of the Sierras. With the approaching holiday weekend, visitors are expected to flock to the area. Cox advises patience and caution due to potential traffic congestion as firefighters continue working along the highway.
The Inn fire is one of five active blazes currently burning in California, according to Cal Fire, with 27 new fires having started within the past week as California's fire season begins to warm up.
In California, the Inn fire, which is one of five active blazes, continues to pose a challenge due to its location in the rugged terrain near Mono Lake and the west flank being inaccessible for bulldozers. Meanwhile, authorities anticipate mild weather in the coming days, hoping to avoid new evacuations or road closures, as visitors flock to the area for the holiday weekend.
