BIG PINE, Calif., July 23 (Owens Valley News) — Fire crews in Inyo County were battling the Rock Fire in Owens Valley, with CAL FIRE reporting 8,000 acres burned and 5% containment in an update Wednesday morning.
The fire was listed at Black Rock Springs Road and Highway 395 in the Poverty Hills area. CAL FIRE said the blaze started July 20 and the cause is under investigation.
Evacuation orders were in effect for zones ICU-117-A, ICU-117-B, ICU-123-A, ICU-123-C, ICU-123-D, ICU-127, ICU-129, ICU-131-C and ICU-137-D. Evacuation warnings were posted for ICU-131-B, ICU-141 and ICU-143.
CAL FIRE said the incident was operating under unified command with the CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit, California Highway Patrol, Inyo National Forest and the Inyo County Sheriff’s Department.
Shelters were listed at Statham Hall/Senior Center in Lone Pine, Big Pine Town Hall in Big Pine and the Inyo County Consolidated Office Building, Room 100, in Bishop. Large-animal evacuation sites were set up at the Lone Pine High School Farm and the Tri-County Fairgrounds stall pens near the Tallman Building in Bishop.
The agency reported 49 engines, 29 helicopters, four dozers, 13 hand crews and 624 personnel assigned to the fire.
