(UPDATED at 2:43 p.m. PDT September 20, 2016)
The spread of the Owen River Fire in eastern California 36 miles northwest of Bishop moderated on Monday. A heat-sensing satellite only detected a couple of large heat sources on the fire during a Monday afternoon overflight. This does not mean the fire is almost out; there are no doubt many small heat sources that the satellite could not detect from 200 miles above the earth.
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(Originally published at 3:29 p.m. PDT September 19, 2016)
The Owens River Fire has burned at least 6,000 acres in eastern California 36 miles northwest of Bishop. It is approximately 6 to 8 miles from two popular ski areas, Mammoth Mountain and June Mountain. According to a report from a Californian who contacted us, at one point three Very Large Air Tankers, DC-10’s, were dispatched to the fire.
It started during the afternoon of September 17th and is burning sagebrush and Jeffrey pine along Owens River Road near Clark Canyon, east of Highway 395.
Four uninhabited outbuildings and several pieces of heavy equipment were destroyed during the initial response Saturday.
The Big Springs Campground, Clark Canyon (a popular climbing area), and nearby ranches and developments have been evacuated. The Owens River Road and the Whitmore Springs Roads are closed.
There are 483 personnel, 9 hand crews, 48 engines, 3 air tankers, 7 helicopters, 3 dozers, and 6 water tenders assigned to the fire.
The cause of the fire is under investigation but appears to be human-caused.
Thanks and a tip of the hat go out to Johnny.
Hope all of our family and friends are ok.