BIG PINE, Calif., July 23 (Owens Valley News) — The Rock Fire in Inyo County had burned 8,000 acres and was 5% contained in CAL FIRE’s latest update, with evacuation orders and warnings in place across parts of the Owens Valley.
CAL FIRE said the fire was burning near Black Rock Springs Road and Highway 395 in the Poverty Hills area. The blaze started July 20 and the cause remains 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.
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. For large animals and livestock, CAL FIRE directed people to Lone Pine High School Farm and the Tri-County Fairgrounds stall pens near the Tallman Building in Bishop.
The incident is under unified command with CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit, the California Highway Patrol, Inyo National Forest and the Inyo County Sheriff’s Department. CAL FIRE said 49 engines, 29 helicopters, four dozers, 13 hand crews and 624 personnel were on scene.