Van Dyke Fire, south of Bridgeport, California

(UPDATED at 7:52 p.m. PST, February 8, 2015)

Below is information provided by the U.S. Forest Service Sunday afternoon about the Van Dyke Fire on both sides of Highway 395 south of Bridgeport, California and north of Point Ranch.

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“U.S. Forest Service – Inyo National Forest
Van Dyke Fire Final Update

The Van Dyke Fire has been mapped at 450 acres and is 75% contained.

The fire is in grass and sage fuels and has received measurable moisture. More rain and snow is in the forecast in the next few days.

Fire crews are improving fireline today and mopping up lingering hotspots. Crews expect to fully contain the fire tomorrow morning.

Initial attack response was by local fire departments and the Humboldt-Tioyabe National Forest. Bridgeport and Lee Vining Fire Departments were instrumental during initial attack and helped prevent structure loss.

Highway 395 is opened and all evacuations have been lifted. Additionally, power service has been restored. Verizon cell service remains down at this time.

The SCE power sub-station received damage from both fire and wind from the storm; repair work on the station was completed last night.

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).

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

This is the last update for the Van Dyke Fire unless there is something significant to report.”

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(UPDATED at 10:15 a.m. February 7, 2015)

According to an update from the U.S. Forest Service the Van Dyke Fire has burned about 305 acres on both sides of Highway 395 south of Bridgeport, California and north of Point Ranch.

The fire is burning in grass and sage. Light rain was falling on the fire Saturday morning 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 a 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.

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

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Incident Commander is calling it 30 percent contained.

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(Originally published at 7:40 p.m. PST, November 6, 2015)

The Van Dyke Fire (initially referred to as the Point Ranch Fire) is estimated to be 300 acres. The fire is burning south of Bridgeport, east of Highway 395, and north of Point Ranch.

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

Homes are threatened. Residents of the Evans Track (south of the Bridgeport Ranger Station) have been evacuated. The Bridgeport Memorial Hall is open as a shelter.

The fire is burning in grass and sage. Sustained and gusting winds are making response difficult.

Multiple agencies have responded to the fire including Lee Vining, Mammoth Lakes, and June Lake Fire Departments, as well as Bureau of Land Management, Bishop Field Office and U.S. Forest Service (Humboldt-Tioyabe and Inyo National Forests).

Highway 395 remains closed between Bridgeport and Lee Vining. Additionally, cell phone service is power are down at this time.

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Author: Bill Gabbert

After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire.