Sierra National Forest Lions Fire Update for Saturday, June 30, 2018

Details: Last Updated: Sunday, 01 July 2018 11:37; Published: Saturday, 30 June 2018 10:29

Lions Fire SNF firefighters 6 30 18 Firefighters on the Lions Fire
Credit: Sierra National Forest - Inciweb

Updated: 11:45 A.M. Map

Evening Update: 5:50 P.M.
Wind Shift Drives Smoke Into Town

A shift in wind direction to the northeast, combined with burn-out operations on the interior of the Lions Fire, are resulting in increased smoke this afternoon in Mammoth Lakes and locations to the north and east. The burn out operations are being conducted to improve and tie together containment lines and reduce heavy fuels in the fire’s interior. Air quality models indicate that, as temperatures cool toward evening, the air flow will drive the smoke away from Mammoth Lakes and it will be mostly clear through the night tonight.

Smoke levels will increase again around noon tomorrow and air quality will likely become unhealthy for sensitive groups. Smoke will continue to be noticeable through the afternoon and evening tomorrow. For the next few days, smoke will be present throughout the day, and more noticeable in the evenings, but as burn-out operations are completed over the next few days, smoke impacts will steadily decrease.

June 30, 2018 - The Lions Fire is now 3,300 acres with 7% containment. Winds are expected to shift to the northeast today and tonight and may be gusty at times. Smoke production today should be similar to yesterday but may increase in Mammoth Lakes by tomorrow as winds shift. Crews will continue working on building and securing containment lines primarily along the east edge of the fire, south of Summit Meadow, and the southwest edge where it meets the previously burned area of the Butte Fire. The southeastern edge of the fire is in rugged, inaccessible terrain that rises above the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River and will be secured using aircraft.

The lightning caused fire was detected in early June and is currently burning in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. It is located primarily in the Stairway Creek drainage, north and west of the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River.

To provide for public safety and the safety of the firefighters who are engaged in fire suppression and rehabilitation efforts, the following National Forest System Trails have been temporarily closed: Sierra National Forest Trails No. 26E01 (Mammoth Trail) to the Inyo NF Boundary, 26E14, 26E56, and 26E46 from the Inyo NF boundary. Inyo NF trail closures include 26E01 from the Sierra NF to 2601 junction, and 2601 from the boundary of the Inyo NF and Devils Postpile National Monument (King Creek Trail).

Shuttle service to Devils Postpile National Monument is running and trails there remain open. The Pacific Crest Trail and the John Muir Trail are open at this time. Smoke may be present in some places, though concentrations will vary.

Wildland fire is an integral and necessary part of maintaining a healthy ecosystem in the Sierra Nevada. Fire serves to naturally remove the accumulation of excess wildfire fuel. The Lions Fire will also help diminish the risk of larger, more severe fires in the future. The fire is currently staffed by 349 people, including eight handcrews and seven helicopters. The handcrews are remaining overnight at spike camps around the fire’s perimeter and are being supplied via mules and helicopters.

Air quality and smoke forecasts are available at: https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=topics.smoke_wildfires.

For more information about smoke conditions in the area, visit webcams at www.mammothmountain.com and the alert tab at nps.gov/DEPO.

Lions Fire is now at 3,300 Acres and 7% Contained.

Basic Information

Current as of	6/30/2018, 7:32:55 AM
Incident Type	Wildfire
Cause	Lightning Strike
Date of Origin	Monday June 11th, 2018 approx. 12:00 PM
Location	7 miles southwest of Mammoth Lakes
Incident Commander	Stephen Fillmore, Type 3 IC
Incident Description	The Fire Is Burning At Approximately 6000- 8000' In Red Fir (compact) Needle Cast And Brush As Well As Heavy Blowdown From 2011 Wind Event.
Coordinates	37.571 latitude, -119.118 longitude

Current Situation

Total Personnel	349
Size	3,300 Acres
Percent of Perimeter Contained	7%
Estimated Containment Date	Saturday July 14th, 2018 approx. 12:00 AM
Fuels Involved	Timber (Litter and understory) Brush (2 feet)
Significant Events	Moderate Flanking Single tree torching

Outlook

Planned Actions	Crews will continue to improve and burn out control lines utilizing natural barriers to the extent possible.
Projected Incident Activity	Continued spread to West and North especially in thermal belts with poor recoveries and in dry fuels. North winds may push fire toward the San Joaquin River.
Remarks	2,000 acres on the Sierra National Forest; 1,300 acres on the Inyo National Forest.

Current Weather

Weather Concerns

North winds are expected for exposed ridges Friday night and Saturday morning. RH lowering, and a slight chance of thunderstorms returns Sunday and Monday.

Smoke Outlook Information

Lions Fire SNF Air Quality 6 30 18