BIG PINE, Calif., July 23 (Owens Valley News) — The Rock Fire in Inyo County grew to 8,000 acres and was 5% contained in a 7:27 a.m. July 22 update, with evacuation orders still affecting parts of Owens Valley, according to CAL FIRE.
CAL FIRE said the fire was burning near Black Rock Springs Road and Highway 395 in Poverty Hills and started July 20. The agency said the cause is 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 in Bishop. Large-animal and livestock evacuation sites were listed at Lone Pine High School Farm and the Tri-County Fairgrounds stall pens near the Tallman Building in Bishop.
The incident was under unified command with CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit, the California Highway Patrol, Inyo National Forest and the Inyo County Sheriff’s Department. CAL FIRE said 49 engines, 29 helicopters, 4 dozers, 13 hand crews and 624 personnel were on scene.
