Van Dyke Fire Update, Bridgeport (8:42am on 2/7)

Van Dyke Fire Update, Bridgeport (8:42am on 2/7)

Here is the official update from the Inyo National Forest regarding the Van Dyke Fire in Bridgeport. 

For Immediate Release
February 7, 2015
Media Contact: Deb Schweizer, (760) 873-2427

Van Dyke Fire Estimated at 305 Acres

The Van Dyke Fire (initially referred to as the Point Ranch Fire) is estimated to be 305 acres. The fire 30% contained. It initially started on the west side of Highway 395 and crossed the highway. It is burning south of Bridgeport, east of Highway 395, and north of Point Ranch.

The fire is burning in grass and sage. There is light rain falling at this time and the winds have subsided. Fire crews plan to take advantage of these conditions for containment efforts today.

Initial attack response was by the Humboldt-Tioyabe National Forest, but the fire is also on Bureau of Land Management response area.

All evacuations have been lifted. Residents of the Evans Track (south of the Bridgeport Ranger Station) had been previously evacuated.

Multiple agencies have responded to the fire including Bridgeport, Antelope Valley, Lee Vining, Mammoth Lakes, and June Lake Fire Departments, Mono County, CHP, Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, as well as Bureau of Land Management, Bishop Field Office,  and U.S. Forest Service (Humboldt-Tioyabe and Inyo National Forests).

Highway 395 has re-opened. Cell phone service and power are down at this time.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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