Taboose, Big Pine

10,106

Taboose, Inyo NF, USFS. Ten miles southwest of Big Pine, CA. Timber, brush and short grass. Minimal fire behavior with creeping and smoldering. Area closures in effect.

September 26, 2019 at 8:41 AM

This will be the final update for the Taboose Fire unless significant activity occurs.

Today the Boise NIMO team transitioned command of the Taboose Fire back to the Inyo National Forest. There was no reported growth and total acres burned remains at 10,296 with 75% containment. Yesterday a crew of firefighters was flown up to the southwest flank to complete suppression repairs. Today those firefighters will remain attached to the incident to patrol the perimeter and monitor interior pockets of heat as islands of fuel continue to smolder. Fire behavior along the western flank within the wilderness has subsided significantly as it continues to burn out naturally.

The Inyo National Forest has issued a Forest Closure for the Taboose Fire area until further notice. Please respect the closure order, as it is put in place to protect the safety of the public and the firefighters. Wildfire compromises the integrity of trees and soil, making them unpredictable hazards. This closure order has been implemented to allow firefighters the ability to work efficiently and navigate the fire line safely while also protecting the public from hazards in the area.

Goodale, Taboose and Tinemaha campgrounds are now open, but please be mindful of the forest closure order still in effect around the fire area.

September 25, 2019 at 5:51 AM

Overnight the fire remained within established control lines. The fire remains at 10,296 acres and containment has increased to 75%. There were no reported smokes across the line and the fire perimeter held firm against the northeasterly gusts. The weather outlook is favorable, with calm conditions expected through Thursday. Firefighters will be flown into the southern edge of the fire to complete repair and remove any remaining equipment. The remainder of the fire perimeter will be monitored by air and patrolled by a crew of 20 firefighters.

The Boise NIMO team will turn management of the fire back to the Inyo National Forest on Wednesday morning.

The Inyo National Forest has issued a Forest Closure for the Taboose Fire area until further notice. Please respect the closure order, as it is put in place to protect the safety of the public and the firefighters. Wildfire compromises the integrity of trees and soil, making them unpredictable hazards. This closure order has been implemented to allow firefighters the ability to work efficiently and navigate the fire line safely while also protecting the public from hazards in the area.

Goodale, Taboose and Tinemaha campgrounds are now open, but please be mindful of the forest closure order still in effect around the fire area.

September 23, 2019 at 8:04 AM

Control lines will be tested again as the next frontal passage brings higher winds Monday afternoon in to Tuesday morning. The fire currently sits at 10,296 acres and 70% containment showing limited growth in the wilderness towards natural containment boundaries, away from infrastructure and communities. If weather conditions permit a crew will be flown into Division M, the southwestern flank, to implement suppression repair and remove remaining equipment. The rest of the fire perimeter will be patrolled for any remaining areas of heat, and completing suppression repair to return the landscape to as natural state as possible. The Inyo National Forest has issued a Forest Closure for the Taboose Fire area until further notice. Please respect the closure order, as it is put in place to protect the safety of the public and the firefighters. Wildfire compromises the integrity of trees and soil, making them unpredictable hazards. This closure order has been implemented to allow firefighters the ability to work efficiently and navigate the fire line safely while also protecting the public from hazards in the area.

September 20, 2019 at 8:03 AM

The fire was quiet overnight, with a total of 10,269 acres burned and 64% containment. Overnight engines patrolled containment lines on the northern and eastern divisions while crews remained spiked out on the more remote sections of the fire line to the south-southwest. With the increased hazards and dangerous conditions associated with night operations, firefighters take extra precautions while monitoring fire behavior to ensure crew safety. The end of this week also brings a transition in fire management.

The California Type 2 Incident Management Team will transition with an incoming NIMO (National Incident Management Organization) who will take over management of the fire this evening at 6 PM. The NIMO team will work to keep the progress towards containment while also developing long-term management strategies.

September 19, 2019 at 8:53 AM

Firefighters worked to hold the fire perimeter overnight through the predicted wind event, resulting in limited fire growth at a total of 10,263 acres with 63% containment. Crews held the newly established control lines along the eastern flank, and the day shift will work to secure those lines. Fire personnel are carefully navigating the southern most division, utilizing handline construction and hose lays in conjunction with natural barriers to hold the perimeter. Overnight the shifting winds resulted in a small 6 acre spot in a drainage north of Armstrong Canyon. Most of the growth occurred along the western flank as the fire continues to edge into rock formations within the John Muir Wilderness. Today firefighters will work to secure the spot, strengthen control lines and protect the established perimeter.

Winds are anticipated to subside after the cold front passes through Thursday. Warmer temps and calmer conditions are expected Friday and Saturday which should moderate fire behavior. The adverse winds will continue into the afternoon, at about 5 to 10 mph, which could still pose a challenge to crews working the southern divisions.

September 18, 2019 at 7:58 AM

Most of the smoke seen yesterday from the Shingle Mill Bench area was from compacted ground fuels such as duff. There was minimal fire growth\. The fire has now burned 10,106 acres with 62% containment. Firefighters took advantage of lower winds, and continued to work on fire suppression and strengthening containment lines with crews on the ground and helicopter water drops. Fire personnel on the fire line also worked on mopping up, fire suppression repair, and patrolling the containment lines. The type 2 Incident Management Team continues to manage the incident under unified command with CAL FIRE.

There is currently heavy smoke production in the active parts of the Taboose Fire. With prevailing winds from the south, smoke from the fire can be seen drifting north towards Big Pine and Bishop, the fire containment line on the northern flank of the Taboose Fire is holding and there is no spread on this side. Air quality is likely to become Moderate and may reach periods of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups for parts of the night. If you are sensitive to smoke, please follow the recommended actions to protect your health. For information on protecting yourself from wildfire smoke, please visit Protecting Yourself From Wildfire Smoke.

Firefighters and equipment will remain on scene due to another forecasted wind event on Wednesday and Thursday this week. This anticipated wind event is expected to bring wind speeds of 30 – 40 mph for the two days which may impact firefighting efforts, particularly the Shingle Mill Bench area. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and prepared.

September 16, 2019 at 8:03 PM

The fire weather forecasted for today brought smoke that could be seen from afar. The smoke was the result of fire burning in the Shingle Mill Bench area along with pockets of interior fire in the Red Mountain and Red Lake areas. The Taboose Fire is now at 9,438 acres and firefighters have 62% of it contained. Currently, the areas in and around the fire are still under a Red Flag Warning until 9:00 pm tonight. Crews are reporting sustained winds around 25-30 mph in the mountains, with gusts up to 45-55 mph which grounded air operations most of the day. The incident meteorologist has been following the weather situation, and is forecasting the winds to continue throughout this evening and decreasing around 8:00 pm. Firefighters will continue to secure perimeter lines, and patrol the area to ensure the fire does not breach containment lines. Aside from the obvious dangers of a wildfire, some fires cause situations that may negatively impact the environment. The National Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) program works with specialists from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Geological Survey, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the National Weather Service, Las Vegas. The BAER team will work on Forest Service lands with the goal of protecting the safety of Forest visitors and employees and protecting Federal property, water quality, and critical natural or cultural resources from further damage after the fire is out. Firefighters have been working with resource advisors during this incident to minimize impact to resources in the fire area; and the BAER analysis, along with related, post-fire resource protection measures will begin this week as well.

September 16, 2019 at 7:50 AM

Last night the Taboose fire stayed in place and remains at 9,438 acres with 61% containment. It was quiet until 1:30AM last night, when the winds started blowing erratically at 30 to 35 mph. Night crews observed a steady glow in a few spots, but no movement. Fire lines were wind-tested last night and the Taboose Fire did not move.

The Red Flag Warning continues through today to 9PM. According to the National Weather Service, the strongest winds are predicted for today with a High Wind Advisory going into effect from 2PM to 9PM today. Winds will come from the south to southwest over the fire area. Note that additional crews remain pre-positioned and staffing of firefighters by CAL FIRE, Cal OES, and the National Forest are available through this wind event.

After 9PM this evening, the winds are expected to drop off dramatically. If the fire remains in place through this evening, firefighting resources will ramp down tomorrow.

Residents: please make sure you have opted into the Inyo County Sheriff’s CodeRed notification system. In the event there is a need for evacuation, the Inyo County Sheriff’s Department will make notification with this tool. All residents are encouraged to opt in and register their landline and/or mobile numbers with CodeRed to receive emergency and important notifications. An explanation of the system can be found on the Inyo National Forest, CAL FIRE San Bernardino, and Inyo County Sheriff’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.

To everyone in the Owens Valley – residents and visitors alike – this is the day!

September 15, 2019 at 6:16 PM

The National Weather Service placed the areas in and around the Taboose Fire under a Red Flag Warning today at 3:00 pm through 9:00 pm Monday night. Firefighters and firefighting equipment were kept on scene to continue to extinguish hot spots, patrol the fire area, and repair fire suppression damage. There was minimal fire activity today, and the fire is currently holding at 9,438 acres with 61% containment. Firefighters reported sustained winds in the fire area at 10-15 mph from the south and southwest. Crews are still monitoring the situation as it is expected to increase overnight and into Monday. Additional crews remain pre-positioned and staffing of firefighters by CAL FIRE, Cal OES, and the National Forest are available should they be needed. Residents in and around the fire should be prepared for a change in conditions that may intensify fire behavior. In the event there is a need for evacuation, the Inyo County Sheriff’s Department will make notification through the CodeRed system. All residents are encouraged to opt in and register their landline and/or mobile numbers with CodeRed to receive emergency and important notifications. An explanation of the system can be found on the Inyo National Forest, CAL FIRE San Bernardino, and Inyo County Sheriff’s Facebook and Twitter accounts. To everyone in the Owens Valley – residents and visitors alike – please be mindful of the fire danger.

September 15, 2019 at 9:08 AM

The Taboose Fire remained at 9,438 acres and 59% containment. The fire stayed in place overnight with minimal fire behavior. Night crews patrolled the area and mopped up only a few spots of burn activity. Although there was no visible fire, the night IR flight showed some heat in the Tinemaha, Red Mountain, Taboose drainages and in Shingle Mill bench.

The big push for firefighters – and we hope residents in the area surrounding the fire – is to be ready for the RED FLAG WARNING for winds going into effect at 3PM TODAY. Winds are expected to come from the west/southwest with the strongest winds predicted between 2PM and 9PM on Monday. The Red Flag warning is in effect through 9PM Monday, so be prepared for a 30 hour event. The Taboose Fire day shift crews are prepared, CAL OES has prepositioned additional resources in the area, CAL FIRE and Inyo National Forest will extend firefighter staffing as needed. Should the fire escape the containment lines during this wind event, there are many firefighting resources in the area prepared for a full suppression response.

That being said, residents in communities near the Taboose fire need to be prepared for this wind event. Make sure your cell phone is registered with the Inyo County Sheriff’s CodeRED notification system (register at Public.Coderedweb.com). Residents with landlines will be notified through reverse-911 as well. While a tremendous amount of good work has gone into putting this fire to bed – and we hope nothing happens other than wind today and tomorrow – we ask that residents be prepared and stay alert.

To everyone in the Owens Valley – residents and visitors alike – please be mindful of the fire danger.

September 14, 2019 at 6:27 PM

Firefighters worked on existing fire lines around the fire today with an emphasis on extinguishing hot spots and fire suppression repair. Updating mapping has the fire at 9,438 acres with 59% containment. There will be an infrared flight tonight to identify any heat in the fire area. Crews continued to improve and strengthen perimeter lines around the fire in anticipation of the upcoming wind event. Currently, the National Weather Service has placed the area in and around the fire under a Fire Weather Watch, but will be issuing a Red Flag Warning beginning Sunday afternoon at 3:00 pm through Monday night at 9:00 pm. The winds are expected to come from the southwest and west/southwest with gusts from 40 – 50 mph and up to 60 mph on Monday along with decreased relative humidity. Firefighters and firefighting equipment are being held in the area due to the expected fire weather in the event the fire breaches containment lines. Residents in the area should be aware that the forecasted weather can intensify fire behavior and should be alert to changing conditions.

September 13, 2019 at 7:25 PM

Despite the increased temperature today, firefighters took advantage of calm wind conditions and continued to extinguish hot spots and perform mop-up within the fire’s perimeter. The crews strengthened the fire line, patrolled the area for any flare-ups, and repaired the damage from firefighting efforts. Firefighters also focused fire suppression activity on the Shingle Mill Bench where they saw a small amount of fire activity today. The fire is currently at 9,427 acres with 56% containment. The National Weather Service has placed the areas in and around the fire under a Fire Weather Watch which may be upgraded to a Red Flag Warning at a later time. Firefighters and firefighting resources will remain on scene in anticipation of the upcoming wind event from Sunday through Monday in the event the Taboose Fire breaches containment lines. We ask that everyone in the area pay close attention to changes in the weather as conditions can intensify quickly.

September 13, 2019 at 8:04 AM

It was a quiet night on the Taboose Fire. There was no significant growth and the fire remains at 9,422 acres with 54% containment. Firefighters continued to monitor fire activity and look for and put out hot spots on the northern, eastern and southern fire perimeter.

The typical wind pattern of down slope winds in the morning with upslope winds in the afternoon is expected today. Firefighters will continue the work of controlling the fire. The northern/eastern/southern fire areas have very little heat or fire activity. Firefighters are checking these areas for control. The fire is burning in Red Mountain Creek and Taboose Creek drainages near 9,000 feet along the Sierra. The fuels are discontinuous and the fire will burn itself out on the western side. The steep terrain makes access difficult and unsafe for crews to work in this area.

All efforts are focusing on controlling the fire before the wind event expected on Sunday – Monday. Much of the buildup of firefighting resources committed to controlling the Taboose Fire will remain in place in case the fire escapes containment lines on Monday. Residents in the surrounding area should remain vigilant and be prepared in case conditions change quickly.

September 13, 2019 at 7:47 AM

The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch starting Sunday at 1PM through Tuesday morning at 5AM. Strong winds and low relative humidity are expected and this Fire Weather Watch may be upgraded to a Red Flag Warning. Under normal conditions, the work of controlling the fire would be completed by Friday evening. However, due to the wind event, most of the crews, engines and other firefighting resources will remain in place ready for firefighting should the Taboose Fire escape containment lines. The Incident Command Post and fire management team in Big Pine along with the additional CAL Fire resources at the Owens Valley camp will stay until the wind event is over.

September 12, 2019 at 8:11 AM

The fire was quiet again last night and has not increased in size. The fire remains at 9385 acres with containment at 47%. For the night time operations, firefighters monitored the northern, eastern and southern perimeters and looked for any signs of burning. Few areas of glowing coals were observed.

Firefighters will be working on finishing the last part of the perimeter today on the southern side of the fire and will be strengthening that fireline to increase containment. This is the final part of the fire perimeter to secure in order to prevent any fire movement towards homes and private property. The western edge of the fire is where most of the small amount of active burning is taking place: this is where the fire is burning up into the Sierra and into a sparse fuelbed. There are no homes or private property threatened on this side. This area is very steep and dangerous to work in, so firefighters are not actively working in this area.

We continue to mop up and mitigate the damage from the suppression efforts in the fire area. We are watching the weather forecasts for any changes in wind direction or speed that could cause the fire to re-ignite and come to life again. We ask that everyone in the area pay close attention to changes in the weather as conditions can change quickly.

September 11, 2019 at 9:00 PM

Firefighters saw minimal fire movement and continued to take advantage of calm fire conditions to improve and strengthen existing firelines. Happily, we can report very little growth: the fire is at 9,385 acres with 47% containment. Firefighters will continue to work through tonight to improve firelines and monitor conditions. The weather conditions are expected to be stable over the next few days and firefighters will continue to mop up as needed. There is very little active fire in the area, and what little there is, is on the upper slope of the Sierra mountains.
Suppression rehab repair has begun and firefighters have been working closely with Inyo National Forest resource advisors to mitigate damage to resources that were caused by firefighting activities.

This fire impacted many visitors using the trails and camps of the Inyo National Forest. We have been working to identify and facilitate reuniting stranded hikers with their cars. Unfortunately, four vehicles were destroyed by the fire at the Red Lake trail head. This fire surprised both residents and visitors alike and is another reminder to all to stay aware of changing weather conditions.

September 10, 2019 at 7:05 PM

Fire conditions remained calm today which allowed firefighters to strengthen fire-lines. The active side of the fire was on the western flank that was burning towards the John Muir Wilderness. The estimated acres burned is 9,335 with 36% containment. Firefighters will continue to work through the night to improve fire-lines and monitor conditions. A damage assessment was performed in the area of Tinemaha Creek and Red Mountain Creek, and it was determined that a travel trailer was destroyed by the fire early Sunday. There have not been any structures destroyed.

The following areas are no longer under evacuation order at this time: Big Pine Canyon, including Glacier Lodge, Cone Road, Sugarloaf Road, and Bernasconi Center.

The National Weather Service is expecting wind gusts possibly between 30 – 40 MPH this evening, moderating to the weekend. Residents in the area should be prepared for changing conditions on the fire and the possibility of evacuation.

September 10, 2019 at 12:43 PM

At 1:00pm TODAY the evacuation order will be LIFTED for Big Pine Canyon; including Glacier Lodge, Cone Road, Sugarloaf Road and Bernasconi Center.

September 10, 2019 at 10:04 AM

With updated mapping, the Taboose Fire is estimated at 9,235 acres with 30% containment this morning. Firefighters continued working through the night and were able to improve and strengthen containment lines while monitoring for increased fire activity. The expected wind last night did not materialize which resulted in a relatively calm night for firefighters. The active part of the fire currently is inside the fire perimeter at Stecker Flat and Shingle Mill. An assessment of the fire has revealed that one structure has been destroyed since the start of the fire.

Evacuation advisories and orders for the affected areas are still in effect. Wind conditions are expected to be less than yesterday, but residents are asked to remain vigilant and be prepared should evacuation needs arise. Should there be a need for evacuation, residents with landlines will receive a reverse 911 call advising of such. Residents utilizing cell phones are encouraged to register their numbers with the Code Red system. This can be done through the Inyo County Sheriff’s office at Public.Coderedweb.com.

September 9, 2019 at 8:50 PM

Fire crews focused efforts on the northwest edge of the fire, reinforcing line by laying down retardant lines and setting out hose lays to hold the fire. The same efforts on the eastern side to protect the communities of Aberdeen, Birch Creek and Big Pine are in place. The fire was active today but remained within these firelines. Due to the wind event predicted from 5pm to 5am, all residents in these areas are asked to remain vigilant and to be prepared should the need for evacuations arise. Local residents are asked to enroll their cell phones with the Code RED system of the Inyo County Sheriff’s office: Public.Coderedweb.com. Should there be an evacuation order, the Inyo County Sheriffs will notify residents with cell phones with CodeRED and use reverse 911 for landlines.

Closures:

Campgrounds: Goodale Creek and Tinnemaha are closed.

NEW: Sage Flat, Upper Sage Flat, Big Pine Creek, Big Pine Creek Group, Palisade Group and Clyde Group are closed.

Birch Creek, Taboose and Aberdeen under voluntary evacuation advisories.

Trails: Birch LakeTrail, Red Lake Trail and Taboose Creek Trail. Note: Hikers on the John Muir Trail are safe but resupply out of Taboose Pass will need to be arranged at another pass.

South Fork of Big Pine Creek (including the Middle Fork), North Fork of Big Pine Creek and Baker Creek Trail.

Roads: Tinnemaha Road, Taboose Creek Road (at Aberdeen),McMurry Meadows Road, Cone Road and Sugarloaf Road. NEW: Glacier Lodge Road west of the Bernasconi Center west.

Evacuation Advisories for:

Aberdeen and Birch Creek communities

Mandatory Evacuation:

Baxter Ranch and Big Pine Canyon, including Glacier Lodge, the Glacier Pack Station and the Big Pine Creek Recreation Resident tract.

Please respect these closures and avoid the nearby fire area for your own safety and that of the firefighters.

September 9, 2019 at 6:26 PM

UPDATE: A MANDATORY EVACUATION is in place for Big Pine Canyon; to include Glacier Lodge, Cone Road, Sugarloaf Road & the Bernasconi Center. An evacuation center has been set up at the Tri-County Fairgrounds Home Economics Building

September 9, 2019 at 8:22 AM

The Taboose Fire remains at an estimated 10,500 acres with 10% containment this morning and fire behavior moderated overnight. Last night firefighters made excellent progress and worked to construct line to the north and east and continued to improve line along the east and south.

Today, fire crews will continue suppression efforts by constructing fireline with a focus to completing line along the north. They will continue to patrol and mop up line along the south and east flank with continued support from retardant and water drops from air tankers and helicopters.

Today’s primary concern is the red flag warning for high winds in the forecast for this evening through tomorrow morning that could push fire growth. The conditions in the forecast are very similar to the wind event experienced two nights ago.

A Community Meeting is planned for today at 12:30 pm at the Big Pine Town Hall, 150 Dewey Street, to provide an update for residents about the fire.

Yesterday, Inyo County Sheriff’s Office coordinated with Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park to evacuate stranded hikers at Red Lake and the parks’ helicopter was able to extract the hikers when the smoke cleared from the area in the afternoon.

Baxter Ranch is under a mandatory evacuation and Birch Creek, Aberdeen and Taboose Creek Campground are under voluntary evacuation advisories. Tinnemaha Campground is closed and being used for incident response.

Tinnemaha Road, Taboose Creek Road (at Aberdeen), and the McMurry Meadows Road are closed. Birch Creek Trail, Red Lake Trail, and Taboose Creek Trails are closed. The forest continues to work with Inyo County Sheriff and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks to locate hikers in the area. Four vehicles were destroyed at the Red Lake Trailhead. The public is advised to avoid these closures and the nearby fire area for their safety and to aid in safe response for firefighters.

The fire is being managed in unified command with Inyo National Forest, CAL FIRE and Inyo County Sheriff’s Office. CA Incident Management Team 11 had been inbriefed and assumed command of the incident.

September 8, 2019 at 8:25 PM

The Taboose Fire was mapped 10,500 acres with 10% containment. Aircraft was able to fly and accurately map the fire today.

Today, the fire showed significant growth, predominately to the west and north. Crews focused their efforts to protect nearby communities, constructing containment line on the north, east, and southern flanks. They were aided by retardant and water drops from air tankers and helicopters. Thick smoke obscured some of the fire’s edge on its west and north flanks. Fire behavior was active today.

The typical evening down canyon winds associated with the Eastern Sierra remain a concern for tonight. Crews will patrol fire lines and continue working to protect neighboring communities. There is a red flag warning for high winds in the forecast for Monday evening through Tuesday morning.

Baxter Ranch is under a mandatory evacuation and Birch Creek, Aberdeen and Taboose Creek Campground are under voluntary evacuation advisories. Tinnemaha Campground is closed and being used for incident response.

Tinnemaha Road, Taboose Creek Road (at Aberdeen), and the McMurry Meadows Road are closed.

Birch Creek Trail, Red Lake Trail, and Taboose Creek Trails are closed. The forest continues to work with Inyo County Sheriff and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks to locate hikers in the area. Four vehicles were destroyed at the Red Lake Trailhead.

The public is advised to avoid these closures and the nearby fire area for their safety and to aid in safe response for firefighters.

The fire is being managed in unified command with Inyo National Forest, CAL FIRE and Inyo County Sheriff’s Office. A Type II Incident Management Team has arrived and was briefed on the fire at 6:00 pm. The team will assume command of the incident tomorrow at 7:00 am.

The fire started the evening of September 4. It located southwest of Big Pine and northwest of the community of Aberdeen and its ranging from 5,000 ft in elevation in sagebrush and has spread up hill to 10,000 ft. in mixed conifer forest. The cause of the fire is under investigation. However, it is likely lightning-caused.

September 8, 2019 at 9:53 AM

Last night, the Taboose Fire jumped its containment lines when sustained 40-50 mph winds caused spot fires. The fire is estimated to be 4,000 acres with 10% containment.

Last night, firefighters focused on structure protection for the nearby communities. Extreme fire behavior has been observed.

The Birch Creek community is under mandatory evacuation. Tinnemaha Campground is closed and being used for incident response. Fish Springs and Aberdeen are under evacuation advisories. Taboose Creek Campground is under an evacuation advisory.

Tinnemaha Road is closed.

The Birch Creek Trail, Red Lake Trail, and Taboose Creek Trails are closed. The forest will work Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks to locate hikers in the area.

The fire is being managed in unified command with Cal Fire and Inyo County Sheriff’s Office. A Type II Incident Management Team has been ordered. Numerous orders for fire crews, air tankers, and other resources are in place.

Today, winds remain in the forecast and are the primary concern for fire response as is the steep terrain of the Eastern Sierra.

The fire started the evening of September 4 at approximately 5,000 feet in elevation in sagebrush. It located southwest of Big Pine and northwest of the community of Aberdeen. The cause of the fire is under investigation, however it is likely lightning-caused.

September 7, 2019 at 9:51 AM

The Taboose Fire has been mapped at 354 acres and is now 80% contained. Today, crews continue to patrol containment lines and check for hot spots.

Erratic winds and thunderstorms remain in the forecast.

All pre-evacuation advisories have been lifted. Fire crews will continue to use Tinnemaha Campground for their operations through the weekend. However, incident managers have begun releasing firefighters from this incident.

September 6, 2019 at 9:10 AM

The Taboose Fire, located southwest of Big Pine and northwest of the community of Aberdeen, remains at 380 acres and 30% containment.

Last night, the fire was quiet and showed no growth. Today, crews will continue strengthening containment lines and mopping up hot spots.

A slight chance for thunderstorms remains in the forecast.

Taboose Creek Campground has re-opened. Birch Creek, Fish Springs and Aberdeen remain under pre-evacuation notifications and Tinnemaha Creek Campground is being used by crews for fire response.

The fire started the evening of September 4 at approximately 5,000 feet in elevation in sagebrush. The cause of the fire is under investigation. However, significant lightning was reported in the area.

Visitors to the Eastern Sierra are advised to avoid the fire area for their safety and to aid in a safe fire response.

September 5, 2019 at 6:44 PM

The Taboose Fire is estimated to be 380 acres and is 30% contained. The fire started yesterday evening and is located southwest of Big Pine and northwest of the community of Aberdeen.

Today, fire crews made good progress on fireline construction, focusing their efforts on the nearby communities. Helicopters continued to cool the fire’s edge and two air tankers did a series of retardant drops to help slow the fire’s growth. The fire received some precipitation.

While the monsoonal pattern has brought rain, lightning and the potential for new starts remains a concern as does strong, gusty winds associated with these storms.

Birch Creek, Fish Springs and Aberdeen have received pre-evacuation notifications. Taboose Creek Campground and Tinnemaha Creek Campground are evacuated and are being used by crews for fire response.

The fire is burning at approximately 5,000 feet in elevation in sagebrush with its spread primarily upslope with terrain. The cause of the fire is under investigation. However, the Eastern Sierra has been experiencing extensive and widespread lightning with an unstable monsoonal pattern.

This is an Interagency response that includes US Forest Service crews, Bureau of Land Management, Cal Fire, Inyo County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bishop and Big Pine Fire Departments.

There are 158 personnel on the fire. This includes four crews, eight engines, four helicopters, and dozers and water tenders.

Visitors to the Eastern Sierra are advised to avoid the fire area for their safety and to aid in a safe fire response.