Inyo National Forest

News Release

US Forest Service

Inyo National Forest

Contacts: Mary Loan 760-873-2580

Bishop, CA (June 23, 2008)...Inyo National Forest fire management officials report that the Clover Fire, which has been burning on the Sequoia National Forest and managed as a wildland fire use fire, has crossed over onto the Inyo National Forest and is now burning on the east side of the Sierra Crest.   

The fire, burning in timber and brush on the Kern Plateau north of Kennedy Meadows, was started by lightning approximately two weeks ago and had reached nearly 4000 acres in size by Sunday June 22.

On Sunday afternoon, the fire was affected by some strong winds and made a large push to the east, crossing the South Fork of the Kern River and continuing east over the crest of the Sierra Nevada.  During the late afternoon and overnight, the fire burned an additional 2500 acres on the Inyo National Forest and several more acres on the Sequoia National Forest.

The part of the fire that is burning on the Inyo National Forest is south of Haiwee Pass, on the west side of Highway 395, between Johnson Canyon and Talus Canyon.   Active suppression action is being taken on this portion of the fire, with several fire engines and hand crews on scene.  There are numerous structures in the general vicinity but homeowners have been contacted by the Inyo County Sheriff’s Office to be alert in case evacuations become necessary.   In addition, several fire engines are available to provide structure protection in the canyons along Highway 395.

The fire is burning in the area of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and several other routes, and portions of the PCT have been temporarily restricted with detour routes in place.  All hikers in the area are strongly encouraged to check with a Ranger Station or Visitor Center before their trip to receive the latest information on possible trail closures.        

A Type 2 Incident Management Team is assigned to the part of the Clover Fire that is burning on the Sequoia National Forest; a second Type 2 Incident Management Team is expected to arrive in the area and take over management of the fire that is burning on the Inyo National Forest on Tuesday June 24th. 

The Clover Fire may burn for several more days, and smoke will be visible during this time.  For real-time information on smoke, the following internet site can be visited:  http://www.satguard.com/USFS/chart_new.asp?Get=1&UnitID=45&CustID=2&sDate=6-21-2008

For more information, visit www.inciweb.org or contact the Clover Fire Information Line at 760-376-3781 ext. 699.