Dexter, Inyo NF

Dexter, Inyo NF, USFS. Transfer of command from IMT 2 (CA Team 14) back to the local unit will occur tomorrow. Fifteen miles northeast of Mammoth Lakes, CA. Timber and brush. Moderate fire behavior with backing, creeping and smoldering. Evacuations, area and road closures in effect. Sage-grouse habitat threatened. Precipitation occurred over the fire area yesterday.

July 20, 2021 at 8:59 AM

Yesterday produced heavy rainfall and lightning over the fire area. The fireline held and firefighters continued to mop up, monitor, patrol, and haul in equipment. Fire within the interior continues to burn inside the containment lines in interior islands. While new fires are still possible, yesterday’s rain should decrease the risk for new starts making large runs. Today, firefighters will repair and rehabilitate roads and areas around the incident to restore any damage that may have occurred.

This is the last day CIIMT 14 will be managing the fire. They will turn command of the fire back to the Inyo NF tomorrow at 7 am. Resources will be released when they are no longer needed so they can be available for other fires in and out of the region.

July 18, 2021 at 9:02 AM

Firefighters conducted the last day of strategic firing operations yesterday before the expected change of weather today. Containment improved in all areas around the fireline. Crews made good progress as they increased mop up depth around the perimeter. Spotfires were found outside the fireline but were confined. Fire within the interior continues to burn inside the containment lines consuming available fuels through grass, brush and scattered timber. Today, crews will continue strengthening and improving the containment line and increasing the depth of mopping up.

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag warning for today with warmer air coming into the area. Dry lighting is possible today before moist air with the threat of thunderstorms increasing into tomorrow. Strong outflow winds are possible as air masses become more unstable.

The Big Springs and Bald Mountain Springs Campgrounds remain closed while the fire is still active. 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.

July 17, 2021 at 10:59 AM

Fire behavior yesterday was moderated by heavy smoke in the fire area. It was less windy, giving firefighters an opportunity to strengthen and improve containment lines. Crews made good progress on the southern flank as they increased mop up depth toward Pilot Springs Rd. The fireline was strengthened along the northern edge also, while small spotfires on the southeast were confined. The fire continues to burn between the Pilot Springs Rd and the 2S04 Road on the northeast edge. Today, crews will continue firing operations to keep the fire within the perimeter.

The threat of thunderstorms may be less again today which will mitigate the extreme runs the fire made in previous afternoons. Smoke may continue to impact the Mammoth Lakes area from other fires in the area. Resources including the Bald Mountain Lookout Tower, critical Sage Grouse habitat, Forest Service campgrounds, Native American cultural resources, the Mono Lupine, and Northern Goshawk habitat remain threatened.

The Big Springs and Bald Mountain Springs Campgrounds are 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. (See Forest Closure Order.)

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.

July 14, 2021 at 9:42 AM

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.

July 13, 2021 at 7:39 PM

The Dexter Fire is located near Bald Mountain spring, north of the Owens River Road and east of Highway 395, northeast of Mammoth Lakes. The fire is estimated at around 1300 acres.

Most of the fire is burning on the east side of the current fire boundary. Helicopters and air tankers are assisting firefighters by dropping water and retardant to keep the fire from spreading. Fuels are readily available to burn and fire can spread quickly.

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.

The weather still poses a threat today with a chance of thunderstorm activity and increased afternoon winds. Unusually hot weather and drought conditions exist and fuels are extremely dry for this time of year, causing increased fire restrictions. Fire spread is quick and unpredictable.