Lions Fire Update August 18, 2018 / AM Update Media Contact: Todd Chlanda Info Line: (925)817-0826

Incident Start Date: 6/11/2018 Cause: Lightning Size: 11,005 acres Containment: 70% Incident Type: Full Suppression Vegetation Type: Brush and timber Command Agency: U.S Forest Service, National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) Resources Assigned: Engines: 0 Water Tenders: 0 Helicopters: 5 Crews: 8 Total Personnel: 157

Current Situation: The western side of the fire continues to be the most active between Sheep’s Crossing to Lily Lake across to Naked Lady Meadow to Earthquake Meadow. Some short distance spotting was observed south of Iron Creek. Additional crews were flown in to support operations along the North Fork of the San Joaquin river drainage area to keep the fire on the east side. An infrared flight over the fire was flown again overnight to observe the progression and intensity of the fire. Aircraft continues to support the fire by flying meals to firefighters on the line, supplies into spike camps and water drops. The area along the North Fork of the San Joaquin river drainage remains a priority. Ground crews continue to use pumps and handlines to improve and maintain containment lines along the western portion of the fire. Crews are committed to keeping the fire on the east side of the river. “The fire is going where we want it,” said Kyle Smith, Operations Chief “its headed north toward the bare granite, but there are lots of challenges. Standing timber and the heavy fuels that are on the ground from the blowdown have contributed to the complexity of this fire.” Smoky Conditions Remain in the Area: Information that is more detailed can be found at www.airnow.gov

Visitor Information: Visitors to the area should be mindful of posted speed limits when driving and watch out for firefighters, equipment, and road construction delays. The unique gateway communities of the are open for visitors, including Oakhurst and Bass Lake, south of Yosemite on Highway 41. The Sierra National Forest has an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities. Today’s Plan: Aircraft will continue to support the suppression efforts with an increase in water drops, delivery of supplies to spike camps and patrolling of the fire. Operational priorities will remain the same today with suppression along the North Fork of the San Joaquin River. Plans to wrap the Iron Creek cabin north of Lilly Lake are being re-evaluated due to safety issues getting personnel into the area of the cabin. Closures and Restrictions: All services on the Sierra and Inyo National Forests and Devils Postpile National Monument remain open. The has implemented fire restrictions on all Inyo National Forest lands until further notice. The following restrictions are in effect: No campfires, briquette barbeques, or stove fires are allowed outside designated developed recreation sites and specifically posted campsites or areas. No fireworks, including “safe and sane” fireworks. No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material Road and Trail Closures: There is an emergency trail closure for the Fern Lake and Beck Lake Trails on the Inyo National Forest and emergency trail closures and a Forest Order to close the area on the Sierra National Forest (west of the North Fork of the San Joaquin River, north of the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River and South of Iron Creek). Sierra National Forest: Fire Restrictions are in effect. Forest Order #05-15-00-18-14 U.S Forest Service: The Sierra National Forest Closures due to the Lion Fire can be found at the Sierra National Forest website.

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5850/ Twitter: @sierranf Gmail: [email protected] Facebook: Facebook.com/SierraNF

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