Prescribed burning to now begin Wednesday in Mammoth, and Thursday near June Lake
BISHOP, Calif., November 7, 2023 — Due to the recent blanket of snow in the Mammoth area, U.S. Forest Service fire personnel will take a window of opportunity to burn approximately 100 acres of piles in the Lakes Basin starting Wednesday, November 8 and continuing until November 13 before the next incoming storm with significant snowfall potential.
Thursday, November 9 firefighters will continue with their plan to broadcast burn approximately 236 acres of forest understory at the “Bowl” unit near the June Lake Junction on the east side of Highway 395. Ignitions are expected to take place until November 12.
The purpose of both of these projects are to reduce hazardous fuels, create defensible space for the towns of June Lake and Mammoth Lakes, and return fire to the landscape to help restore forest health and resilience to wildfires.
Information will be released via:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/inyonf
Forest website: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/inyo/alerts-notices
Lakes Basin Burn Piles:
In Mammoth, smoke will be highly visible from all areas of the town. Smoke is expected to drift away from the Town of Mammoth Lakes and at low wind speeds. In the evenings and mornings, smoke will likely settle down in the lower elevations.
After ignitions are complete, smoke may continue to be visible up to a week while resources continue mopping up. Ignitions are closely coordinated with the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District and National Weather Service meteorologists to ensure desired weather patterns and smoke dispersal. For more information visit: fire.airnow.gov
June Lake Broadcast Burn:
Smoke and flame will be highly visible from Highway 395 and throughout the Mono Basin area, especially on Highway 158 (June Lake Loop) and the town of June Lake. Please drive cautiously. Winds are expected to drift smoke mostly in a northeasterly direction.
After ignitions are complete, smoke may continue to be visible for up to several days while resources continue mopping up.
Future prescribed burns
Additional prescribed burn units may be targeted as weather patterns allow into the coming weeks and months. More information will be provided on those projects as it becomes available.
