Rock Creek, Inyo National Forest

Rock Creek, Inyo NF. Twenty miles southeast of Mammoth Lakes, CA. Timber, brush and short grass.

August 23, 2016 at 4:42 PM

The cause of the Rock Creek fire that started on August 5th has been determined. Investigators have concluded that the fire was started from a bicycle pedal strike to a rock. Conclusive evidence was found in the fire origin area that was on the Lower Rock Creek mountain bike trail. A fire ignition from this type of trigger is a testament to how dry the area is right now. All residents and visitors are asked to be extremely careful with anything that may cause a fire while you are out in the forest.

August 10, 2016 at 9:32 AM

Good progress was made yesterday. Crews will continue to patrol and mop up as needed.

Old Sherwin Grade Road was reopened yesterday at 6:00 p.m.

The fire is under investigation but appears to be human caused.

August 8, 2016 at 7:15 AM

Last night, evening winds continued to challenge the southern portion of the fire towards the Swall Meadows area. However, crews were successful in constructing direct line, resulting in a large containment increase. Today, crews will continue to construct direct line, patrol and mop up along the fire’s perimeter.

Swall Meadows was evacuated on August 5, 2016. The evacuation was lifted yesterday, August 7, 2016 and residents were allowed back at 6:00 p.m.

Lower Rock Creek Road is closed between Swall Meadows and Highway 395. The fire is under investigation but appears to be human caused.

Low relative humidity and afternoon winds continue to be a concern for both fires.

August 7, 2016 at 7:15 PM

Today, strong winds continued to challenge the southern portion of the fire towards the Swall Meadows area, but crews did a good job holding it. Tonight, crews will continue to construct direct line, patrol and mop up along the fire’s perimeter.

Good progress was made and the evacuation for the Swall Meadows area was lifted at 6:00 p.m. for residents only. Residents can only enter through Lower Rock Creek. A closure will be strictly enforced by the California Highway Patrol at the entrance of Old Sherwin Grade Road to the junction of Old Sherwin Grade Road and Sky Meadow Ranch Road.

The fire is under investigation but appears to be human caused.

Low relative humidity and afternoon winds continue to be a concern for both fires.

August 7, 2016 at 6:50 PM

Mono County Sheriff Ingrid Braun, in conjunction with Rock Creek Fire officials, will be lifting the mandatory evacuation for the Swall Meadows residence by 6:00 p.m. this evening, Sunday, August 07, 2016. Residents will only be permitted to enter Swall Meadows using Lower Rock Creek Road. A hard closure will be strictly enforced by the California Highway Patrol from the entrance of Old Sherwin Grade Road off of Highway 395 to the junction of Old Sherwin Grade Road and Sky Meadow Ranch Road.

August 7, 2016 at 10:34 AM

The Rock Creek Fire is estimated to be 122 acres and 20% contained. The decrease in acreage is a result of more accurate mapping. Last night, strong northern winds challenged the southern portion of the fire that continues to push towards the Swall Meadows area. Today, crews will continue to construct direct line, patrol and mop up along the perimeter.

Swall Meadows was evacuated on August 5, 2016. Ingrid Braun, Mono County Sheriff, will notify locals regarding repopulation, via the Red Code System by 4:00 p.m. today. This will be dependent on local wind events and fire conditions.

Lower Rock Creek Road is closed between Swall Meadows and Highway 395. The fire is under investigation but appears to be human caused.

Low relative humidity and afternoon winds continue to be concern for both fires.

August 6, 2016 at 9:23 PM

The Rock Creek Fire is estimated to be 185 acres and 5% contained. Crews made excellent progress today constructing fireline along the southwest flank and then completing initial fireline around much of the fire perimeter. These lines will continue to be strengthened.  Aerial support assisted crews on the ground to cool the edges for direct line containment. Crews are conducting intensive mop-up along the southwest flank, closest to the community of Swall Meadows. Interior smoke is visible along Highway 395.

Swall Meadows remains under evacuation. Lower Rock Creek Road is closed between Swall Meadows and Highway 395. The fire is under investigation but appears to be human caused.

This fire is burning in brush, cheat grass, pinyon pine, and juniper. Eight crew, four engines, 5 helicopters, and two dozers are assigned to the incident. There are 222 people assigned to the Rock Creek Fire.

August 6, 2016 at 9:41 AM

The Rock Creek Fire is estimated to be 185 acres and 5% contained. Down canyon winds last night pushed the fire south beyond the containment line towards Swall Meadows. The fire response today will focus on securing the southern flank of the fire and then using that as an anchor to secure the open fireline. This fire is burning in brush, cheat grass, pinyon pine, and juniper. Continuous fine fuels from the cheat grass and winds allow this fire to grow quickly.

Swall Meadows has been evacuated (previously shared that it was partially evacuated). The Crowley Lake Community Center has been opened as an evacuation center. Four crews, 15 engines, 2 helicopters, and 2 air tankers, 3 water tenders, and a dozer are assigned to the incident.

Lower Rock Creek Road is closed between Swall Meadows and Highway 395. The fire is under investigation but appears to be human caused.

Low relative humidity and afternoon winds continue to be concern for both fires.

A Type II team has been ordered due to increased fire activity on the Inyo and the additional needs for firefighters and their support. The Central Coast Team in-briefs today and will shadow the local Type 3 IMT.

Yesterday, numerous crews and air tankers, including the very large air tanker (VLAT), responded to slow the spread of this fire towards nearby communities.  The fire is under investigation but appears to be human caused.