A wildfire raging in the Sierra National Forest since July 22 has burned through over 11,000 acres and continues on a path of destruction as firefighters attempt to battle the blaze across largely inaccessible terrain.
According to the most recent update from InciWeb, the fire was first reported on Monday, July 22 at approximately 10:15 p.m. as the result of a lightning strike. It's currently located approximately seven miles north of Big Creek, Calif. It is burning off Stump Creek Road, north of Aspen Springs.
The fire has burned through 11,019 acres of land and is currently at 20 percent containment. The cost to date of fighting the fire is estimated at $5.7 million.
In terms of fire personnel and resources being used, there are 1,479 firefighters currently battling the Aspen Fire, utilizing helicopters and a DC-10 Very Large Air Tanker (VLAT). Additional fire crews are being deployed to assist in fire suppression.
As of July 24, the South Central Sierra Interagency Management Team has taken command of the fire and is working with the Sierra National Forest to manage suppression efforts.
WSmoke from the blaze is impacting air quality in local communities. Individuals sensitive to smoke are urged to remain indoors to minimize exposure.
Currently, there is no imminent threat to the communities of Big Creek or Huntington Lake. Additionally, recreation and businesses remain open in the Shaver Lake, Huntington Lake, Lake Thomas Edison, Florence Lake and the Mono Hot Springs areas.
However, the U.S. Forest Service has ordered the closure of the Kaiser Wilderness. In addition, several campgrounds within the Sierra National Forest have been closed as a precaution. They include Sample Meadow, West Kaiser, Jackass Rock Organization, Lower Chiquito, Little Jackass, Placer, Sweet Water and Chino Bar.
In terms of road closures, Stump Springs Road is closed to all traffic. Additionally, Minarets Road from Fish Creek to Jackass Rock Organization Campground and Grizzly at Beasore Road to Minarets Road are closed.
Due to the steep, rugged, treacherous terrain where the fire is burning, crews are using an indirect attack tactic that creates control lines away from the fire's edge.
Air resources are being utilized along the fire line to slow the forward progress and to cool down hot spots. As the situation changes and firefighters are able to gain better access to the blaze, a more direct attack will be implemented.
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