Walker Fire Closes Tioga Pass and Forces Evacuation of Multiple Campgrounds

Lee Vining Ca, – Aug 16 2015 – As of last evening the Inyo National forest released these details on the growing Walker Fire North of Walker Lake and Lee Vining.
The Walker Fire, located north of Walker Lake, is estimated to be 1,200 acres and with no containment at this time.  The fire is being managed in unified Command with Mono County. Walker Lake is located northwest of June Lake, on the north end of the June Lake Loop.
The fire was very active today. Fire behavior was slope and wind-driven, growing to the north and east. The fire is expected to remain active tonight with low night-time relative humidity and temperature recovery.

Closures and Evacuations: 

• Walker Lake “Fishing Camp” has been evacuated.
• A CodeRed Emergency Alert notice has been issued for Lee Vining and everything north of Double Eagle in June Lake (including Silver Lake and Grant Lake areas) for potential evacuations. This was a NOTICE only to let people know there could be potential evacuations.
• Highway 120 West (Tioga Pass) between Highway 395 and Blue Slide (approximately 5 miles up-canyon from Highway 395) is closed.
• Campgrounds in the Lee Vining Canyon have been evacuated and are closed, including Lower Lee Vining, Moraine, Boulder, Aspen Grove, and Big Bend Campgrounds.
• The Walker Lake Road (1N17), the Parker Lake Rd. (1S25), the Upper Horse Meadows Rd. (1N16), and the Gibbs Road (1N18) are closed for fire operations and public safety. All of these roads are accessed via the northern end of the June Lake Loop. All spur roads off of these roads are also closed. The trail to Mono Pass (trailhead is at Walker Lake) is closed.
• The Lee Vining area is becoming a center of fire operations and it is suggested that visitors should avoid this area. Top of Form

The fire is burning is mixed conifer, mahogany, and brush. Critical sage grouse habitat is also threatened. Visitors and residents should expect to see smoke from the June Lake and Lee Vining area and along Highway 395.
Approximately 300 firefighters are on scene. There are five helicopters, 4 dozers, and numerous engines assigned and more resources are on order. Resources from Mono County, local fire departments, Cal Fire, the Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest, The Tahoe National Forest, BLM Bishop Field Office, and the Mono County Sheriff’s Office are assigned.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.