EASTERN MADERA COUNTY – The Aspen Fire has now burned 4,789 acres and is 5% contained as of 7 p.m. on Friday, July 26.
The lightning-caused fire started on Tuesday, July 23, and is burning in very steep, difficult terrain, moving generally north and east, with the most activity on the northern part of the fire.
It has not crossed the San Joaquin River into the Madera County side, though precautionary evacuations and traffic control still remain in effect along Mammoth Pool/Minarets Road (Forest Service Road 81) and Grizzly Road (6S01).
There are currently 993 personnel assigned to the fire which is burning seven miles north of Big Creek. That community is not threatened at this time, according the the Forest Service.
With the 8-15 mph winds blowing some of the smoke out of the area earlier today, and the inversion layer lifting, air operations were able to make progress this afternoon with eight helicopters and six air tankers making drops over the fire.
Crews are working to build handlines, and air resources continue direct attack when conditions allow.
As of this hour, winds are SW 3-8 mph, temperatures 72-83 degrees, and the humidity is 31-41%.
According to radio traffic, there has been one injury and a helicopter is transporting the injured person to Community Regional Medical Center at this time.
The cost to battle to blaze to this point is $2.8 million.
The closure of Stump Springs road remains in effect. There are trail closures in the Kaiser Wilderness.
Campground closures within the Sierra National Forest are as follows:
-Sample Meadow
-West Kaiser
-Jackass Rock Organization
-Lower Chiquito
-Little Jackass
-Soda Springs
-Placer
-Sweet Water
-China Bar
-Rock Creek
-Rancheria
-Badger Flat
-Midge Creek
-Mammoth Pool
-Fish Creek
-Wagners Mammoth Pool Resort
Road Closures
-Stump Springs Road
Roads Open to Residents with Identification:
-Minarets Road (Forest Service Road 81) from Fish Creek Campground to Jackass Rock Organization Campground
-Grizzly Road (Forest Service Road 6S01) from Minarets Road (Forest Service Road 81) to Beasore Road
Smoke from the Aspen Fire is impacting air quality in local communities. Individuals sensitive to smoke are suggested to remain indoors and keep windows closed, to minimize exposure to smoke.
