Inyo National Forest

News Release

US Forest Service

Inyo National Forest

Contacts: Nancy Upham, 760-873-2427

Printable version

Clover Fire Update 7/4/08

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: 70 to 76° F
Winds:  Southwest from 6-10 mph in the valleys this morning, increasing to 10-14 with gusts up to 30 mph in the afternoon, gusts on the ridgetops may approach 40 mph.

Fire Restrictions: 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.

15,262 acres – 70% contained; Expect full containment on Tuesday, July 15th.

New Status:  Little fire activity was observed on the Clover Fire on Thursday; a small spot fire on the northern fire line near the Wildrose Trail was quickly lined and extinguished by crews.  Smoke from the Piute Fire kept temperatures lower and relative humidity higher, moderating fire behavior.  Higher forecasted winds blowing from the southwest on Friday afternoon will provide a good test of the northern containment lines.  The stronger winds should also expose remaining hot spots in the interior of the fire allowing crews to eliminate problem areas near the lines. Water-dropping helicopters will assist in this effort. The Springville Interagency Hot Shot Crew will be stationed at the Black Rock Work Center, where they can quickly respond to any problem areas that pop up.

The transition of command of the fire took place at 6:00 Friday morning and a Northern Rockies Incident Management Team led by Incident Commander Diane Hutton is now managing the fire.  Special thanks go to Allen Johnson’s South Central Sierra Team for doing such a great job with this fire over the last couple of weeks.

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:

•  3 helicopters
• 148 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