June Fire 50% contained as of Thursday morning

The June Fire is estimated to be 65 acres and 50% contained.

Wednesday night, limited fire activity was observed. Heavy fuels continue to burn, but remain within the fire perimeter. Crews continued to monitor, patrol, and mop-up hot spots along the fire’s edge. However, snags (burning trees) posed safety concerns for firefighters that limited some night operations.

Thursday, firefighters continued to construct and improve containment lines as well as attack hot spots that may compromise the containment line.

Strong, erratic, and gusty winds over the fire area remain a concern.

A Type 2 Incident Management Team has assumed command of the fire as of Thursday morning. The Incident Command Post is located in Lee Vining.

Evacuation orders, which were lifted Thursday afternoon, had applied to areas east of June Mountain and south of Hwy 158.

There are no reports of damage to property at this time and structure protection is in place.

June Lake and Gull Lake remain closed for boats and flotation devices as these lakes may be used as dipping sites for aerial operations. The Reversed Creek Campground, the June Lake Campground, and the Gull Lake Campground remain closed.

Power to residents in the June Lake area has been restored. A section of fiber optic cable was burned in the fire—affecting cell coverage in June Lake. Verizon is working to replace the cable as soon as it is safe to do so.

Numerous resources from California Office of Emergency Services, CHP, Cal Trans, Cal Fire, Mono County, Inyo County, local fire departments, US Forest Service, and BLM are assisting. These include:

15 Hand Crews

4 Helicopters

14 Engines

3 Dozers

11 Water Tenders

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Editor’s addendum: The fire was human-caused by a June Mountain Ski Area work crew.