Inyo National Forest

News Release

US Forest Service

Inyo National Forest

Contacts: Mary Loan, 760-873-2580

Printable version

Bishop, August 17, 2008....A wildfire burned approximately 50 acres near Mono Lake on Saturday August 16th, 2008.

The wildfire, located behind Tioga Lodge near Highway 395 on the west side of Mono Lake, was discovered at 12:30 pm, and quickly burned up the slope behind the lodge.  As of 9 am on Sunday, August 17, the fire was 50 acres and 50% contained. 

While the fire burned straight up the slope, fire management officials took quick action and ordered several fire engines, hand crews and aircraft.  Air tankers and helicopters dropped water and fire retardant on the fire and helped to contain the fire.  "With the help of the aircraft, we were able to keep the fire at mid-slope," said Kenny Gaynor, Incident Commander, "rather than it burning all the way to the top of the slope.  This helped to keep the fire at around 50 acres."

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it has been determined to be human caused.  The investigation into the cause is continuing, with Forest Service fire investigators currently on-scene.

A Type 3 Incident Management Team is also on scene, and will be managing the fire for the Inyo National Forest.  Full containment of the fire is expected by Monday morning, with control of the fire expected mid-week.

For more information, please contact Mary Loan, Fire Information Officer, at 873-2580.