Inyo National Forest

News Release

US Forest Service

Inyo National Forest

Contacts: Nancy Upham, 760-873-2427

Printable version | Map of Fire Area

Clover Fire Update 7/7/08

Fire Information:  www.inciweb.org or 760-376-3781 Ext. 699
cloverwfu@gmail.com 

Sequoia National Forest: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sequoia/news/

Today's Weather:
Temperature: 78 to 84° F
Winds:  On the slopes and in the valleys, winds will be light, downslope in the morning and upslope in the afternoon.  On the ridgetops the wind will be shifting to the East with speeds of 10 to 13 miles per hour and gusts up to 20 miles per hour.
Relative Humidity: 6 to 12%.

Fire Restrictions: Sequoia National Forest and Bureau of Land Management-Bakersfield Field Office implemented fire restrictions due to the HIGH FIRE DANGER! Campfires, portable gas stoves or barbecues are only allowed in campgrounds, developed recreation areas or fire exempt areas. On Thursday the Inyo National Forest joined the Sequoia National Forest and Bureau of Land Management-Bakersfield Field Office by implementing fire restrictions due to the HIGH FIRE DANGER! Campfires, portable gas stoves or barbecues are only allowed in campgrounds, developed recreation areas or fire exempt areas.

Clover Fire Activity
Location: Sequoia and Inyo National Forests in the South Sierra Wilderness, north of Kennedy Meadows and south of Beck Meadow, California.

15,300 acres – 70% contained; Expect full containment on Tuesday, July 15th.

New Status:  An aerial reconnaissance of the fire on Sunday identified only three interior smokes.  Two of these were well within the interior and were considered no threat to control lines.  The third smoke was a snag burning within control lines at the head of Tunawee Canyon at the southeast corner of the fire.  All control lines on the Clover Fire held.  Sunday, crews began the process of hauling equipment out of the fire area.

Monday's operation will include placing 6 helitack crew members near the snag in Tunawee Canyon to deal with that smoke and rehabilitate fire lines in the area.  Firefighters on the northern containment line will continue monitoring the area and mopping up within 200 feet of the line.   “The fire is looking just fine” reported George Johnson, Planning Operations Chief.  Fire Behavior Analyst Tobin Kelley looks for a decreasing threat of fire spread as the wind speeds decrease. Air support resources are available for sharing with the Piute Fire, in addition to monitoring for smoke and fire suppression activities on the Clover Fire.

Committed Resources:

•  3 helicopters
•  69 total personnel

KENNEDY MEADOW CAMPGROUND and the fire safe areas are now open to the public.  The temporary fire area closure remains in effect. Do not enter the hazardous Clover Fire perimeter!

Pacific Crest Trail Information
A temporary fire area closure has been issued through July 8, 2008, to maximize fire suppression efforts and to provide for public health and safety.  The closure affects portions of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).  Kennedy Meadow Campground is within this closure area.  Alternate hiking routes around the fire are available to connect to the PCT from Kennedy Meadows to Monache Meadow which includes Jackass Trail (35E13), Albanita Trail (35E06), Jackass Peak (35E03), Snake Creek Trail to Monache Jeep Trail (34E38).  Trails will be signed "PCT Detour".  A trail guard remains on duty at Kennedy Meadows

Please contact the Kernville Ranger Station at (760) 376-3781 or visit the Forest website at:  www.fs.fed.us/r5/sequoia for more specific information on the closure.

Camping Restrictions Lifted: Camping restrictions have been lifted for KENNEDY MEADOW CAMPGROUND and the fire safe areas are now open to the public.  The temporary fire area closure remains in effect. 

Important Internet Links
View South Sierra fire areas by Webcam  http://sierrafire.cr.usgs.gov/swfrs/Pages/WebCam.html

Real Time Smoke Monitoring