Prescribed burning update on Inyo National Forest
Prescribed burning update on Inyo National Forest
BISHOP, Calif., June 17, 2023 — Since June 7, Inyo National Forest firefighters with assisting agencies have treated approximately 1,000 acres of downed and dead vegetation, and plan to continue operations as weather and staffing allows on an additional 2,000 acres. Smoke will continue to be visible most days and may impact your recreation experience in certain areas.
“Days that firefighters burn will depend heavily on weather conditions,” said Chance Traub, Prescribed Fire and Fuels Chief for Inyo National Forest.
“Each day, we have to meet a definitive set of conditions in order to stay within prescription and achieve the desired effects. For example, if the wind is blowing in an unfavorable direction or speed or if vegetation is too moist, the Burn Boss may call off ignitions for that day. Regardless, smoke will be visible from both active ignitions and as previously-ignited fuels within the burn units continue to consume over the coming weeks.”
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Smoke will tend to settle down into the valleys in the evenings, so keep this in mind if camping near the burn project sites.
The projects are as follows:
“Casa Diablo” located east of Crowley Lake:
- 100 to 500 acres per day will be burned as conditions allow.
- Approximately 1,000 acres out of the target acreage of 2,000 has been completed.
- Potential campgrounds that could be impacted by smoke: Tuff, French Camp
“Antelope” located east of Smokey Bear Flat and south of Owens River Road:
- Starting the last two weeks of June
- 700 acres are targeted for treatment over several days
- Potentially campgrounds that could be impacted by smoke: none, however dispersed campers along our forest roads or Owens River Road may be impacted.
Updates will be released as needed via:
Inciweb: inciweb.wildfire.gov
Facebook: www.facebook.com/inyonf
Forest website: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/inyo/
Smoke is expected to be visible from Highways 395, 6, 120, as well as from the communities of Bishop, Crowley Lake, Sunny Slopes, Tom’s Place, Swall Meadows, Town of Mammoth Lakes and beyond, depending on winds and how the smoke settles at night. There are posted signs on the highway to notify motorists of the smoke and potential drop in visibility.
All prescribed fire activities will be coordinated with the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District in order to provide the best smoke dispersion and to reduce impacts to Eastern Sierra communities.
To check air quality, visit airnow.gov.
