UPDATE: June Lake Fire 9/18/2014 (morning press release)

For Immediate Release

September 18, 2014, 8:30 am

Media Contact: Marc Peebles, PIO SoCal Team 3 (909) 855-4233
Jennifer Hansen, Mono County Sheriff (760) 648-3177

June Fire Continues to Hold at 65 Acres

The June Fire is estimated to be 65 acres and 50% contained.

Last night, limited fire activity was observed. Heavy fuels continue to burn, but remain within the fire perimeter. Crews continued to monitor, patrol, and mop-up hot spots along the fire’s edge last night. However, snags (burning trees) posed safety concerns for firefighters that limited some night operations.

Today, firefighters will continue construct and improve containment lines as well as attack hot spots that may compromise the containment line.

Strong, erratic, and gusty winds over the fire area remain a concern for today. Firefighters on the ground as well as aerial resources are being diligent to try to detect possible spots outside the fire perimeter as a result of continued winds.

A Type 2 Incident Management Team has assumed command of the fire this morning. The Incident Command Post is located in Lee Vining.

Evacuations remain in effect and are mandatory east of June Mountain and south of Hwy 158. Highway 158 is closed between Oh Ridge and Rainbow Lane. Closures along the Highway 158 corridor were 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 continue to provide escorts for evacuated residents. These brief escorts allow residents to gather essential needs from their home.

June Lake and Gull Lake remain closed for boats and flotation devices as these lakes mail be used as dipping sites for aerial operations. The Reversed Creek Campground, the June Lake Campground, and the Gull Lake Campground remain closed.

Power to residents in the June Lake area has been restored. A section of fiber optic cable was burned in the fire—affecting cell coverage in June Lake. Verizon is working to replace the cable as soon as it is safe to do so.

Numerous resources from California Office of Emergency Services, CHP, Cal Trans, Cal Fire, Mono County, Inyo County, local fire departments, US Forest Service, and BLM are assisting. These include:

15 Hand Crews
4 Helicopters
14 Engines
3 Dozers
11 Water Tenders

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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