BIG PINE, Calif., July 23 (Owens Valley News) — CAL FIRE said the Rock Fire in Inyo County had burned 8,000 acres and was 5% contained in a 7:27 a.m. update on July 22, as crews continued working in the Owens Valley near Black Rock Springs Road and Highway 395.
The agency said the fire started July 20 and the cause remains under investigation. It is being handled under unified command with the CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit, the California Highway Patrol, Inyo National Forest and the Inyo County Sheriff’s Department.
Evacuation orders remain in place 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 are in effect for ICU-131-B, ICU-141 and ICU-143.
CAL FIRE listed evacuation shelters 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, officials listed Lone Pine High School Farm and the Tri-County Fairgrounds stall pens near the Tallman Building in Bishop. CAL FIRE said 49 engines, 29 helicopters, four dozers, 13 hand crews and 624 personnel were assigned to the fire.
