It's that time of year again...sadly
The Dexter Fire update
Incident Start Date: July 12, 2021
Cause: Lightning
Acreage: 1,679 Containment: 10%
Hand Crews: 5
Engines: 27
Helicopters: 4
Air Tankers: 6
Dozers: 1
Water Tenders: 3
Total Personnel: 230
Firefighters made good progress on the Dexter Fire yesterday, establishing a fireline on the western flank of the fire. Gusty winds from a thunderstorm cell pushed the fire north and east toward the Pilot Springs Road. Extreme fire behavior including group torching and crown runs occurred and spot fires appeared ¼ mile outside of the fireline. Aircraft continued to work throughout the day to assist firefighters in dropping water and retardant to slow the fire spread.
Today’s priority is to extinguish spot fires outside the fireline, hold and improve the north side of the fire to the Pilot Springs Rd. Crews established a dozer line on the southern edge and will work to secure and begin mopping up as they work toward the east.
A continuing threat of thunderstorms in the afternoon today can bring increased afternoon winds. The fire is burning near the Springs Fire of 2019 on the northwest side and the Clark and Owens River Fires on the south. The fire is near Crooked Meadows to the east. Smoke will impact the Mammoth Lakes area from the Dexter Fire (east) and the River Fire (Mariposa—west).
Mandatory evacuations for campers and residents have been implemented in the area. The Big Springs and Bald Mountain Springs Campgrounds have been evacuated and are currently closed. Roads in the immediate vicinity are also closed to the public: North of the Owens River Rd. (2S07), east of Highway 395, west of Forest Rd. 1S17, and south of Highway 120. The fire is burning into the former Clark and Springs Fires which will slow down fire activity to the west. Previous treatments in this area will reduce the spread fire growth on the west side because of diminished fuels.
Fire Restrictions remain in effect for the Inyo National Forest and Bishop Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Campfires are allowed only in developed campgrounds and recreation sites. A portable stove or lantern using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel may be used with a valid wilderness or California Campfire Permit in dispersed areas. Smoking is only allowed within an enclosed vehicle, building, a developed recreation site, or in an area at least three feet in diameter cleared of flammable material.