BIG PINE, Calif., July 23 (Owens Valley News) — The Rock Fire in Owens Valley had burned 8,000 acres and was 5% contained as of CAL FIRE’s July 22 morning update, with evacuation orders still covering several Inyo County zones and shelters open for residents and livestock.
CAL FIRE said the blaze was burning at Black Rock Springs Road and Highway 395 in Poverty Hills. The fire started July 20, and the cause remained under investigation.
Evacuation orders were 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 were posted for ICU-131-B, ICU-141 and ICU-143.
CAL FIRE listed 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. Large-animal evacuation locations were set up at Lone Pine High School Farm and the Tri-County Fairgrounds stall pens near the Tallman Building in Bishop.
Unified command included CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit, the California Highway Patrol, Inyo National Forest and the Inyo County Sheriff’s Department. CAL FIRE reported 49 engines, 29 helicopters, four dozers, 13 hand crews and 624 personnel on the fire.
