UPDATE: June Lake Fire 9/17/2014

For Immediate Release

September 16, 2014, 8:30 am

Media Contact: Deb Schweizer, Inyo National Forest (760) 873-2427, (760) 920-2347 (cell)

Jennifer Hanson, Mono County Sheriff (760) 648-3177 (cell)

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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