Inyo National Forest

News Release

US Forest Service

Inyo National Forest

Contacts: Nancy Upham, 760-873-2427

Printable version

Clover Fire Update 7/2/08

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: 81° F
Winds:  West 10 mph
Relative Humidity: 12%.

SMOKE: Smoke from the Piute Fire is a concern for the Kennedy Meadow community and forest visitors.

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

15,262 acres – 70% Contained

Status:   During the night there was little active spread of the fire and there should be no active fire spread today.  Firefighters will continue securing containment lines and mopping up interior hot spots.  Water-dropping helicopters will assist in this effort.  Warmer temperatures could increase heating on the deserts and valleys surrounding the fire.  The result will be more and stronger battling winds moving up the canyons and over the fire area.      

Communities are being reminded that fire danger is extremely high.  Property owners need to be prepared.  Make sure your home has defensible space against ignition sources such as hot flying embers that can land in your yard or on your roof!

Committed Resources:

•  4 helicopters
•  5 handcrews
• 1 engine
• Total of 253 personnel assigned

Piute Fire Update: As of 6:00 am today, the fire is 13,504 acres and is 5% contained.  The following areas of the Piute Mountains are under a recommended evacuation:  Valley View off Saddle Springs Road, Red Mountain Estates, Claraville, Rocky Point and Liebel Ranch.  In addition, Thompson Canyon in Walker Basin is under a precautionary evacuation.   An evacuation center has been established at the Lake Isabella Senior Center, 6409 Lake Isabella Blvd. in Lake Isabella.

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