Aspen Fire Grows to 6,693 Acres

EASTERN MADERA COUNTY – There are now a total of 1,012 personnel fighting the Aspen Fire, burning near Mammoth Pool on the east side of the San Joaquin River.

The lightning caused fire, which was discovered just after midnight on Tuesday, July 23, has grown overnight to 6,693 acres, and is 10% contained.

Though heavy smoke continues to blanket Eastern Madera County and into Mariposa, the fire has not crossed the river onto the west side of the canyon.

Air operations continue to be hampered by dense smoke, while crews and dozers work to cut line in the extremely difficult terrain.

Access to the lower portions of the fire along the San Joaquin River’s edge is an obstacle. Smoke from the fire continues to impact the San Joaquin Valley.

The fire continues to burn actively edge the northern edge.

One injury was reported yesterday, but no further details are available. The injured person was flown to Community Regional Medical Center for treatment of what the Forest Service says was “minor.”

Road and Trail Closures remain in place –

Roads:

Stump Springs Road is closed to all traffic due to fire suppression activity.

Minarets Road (4S81) from Fish Creek to Jackass Rock Organization Campground, Grizzly at Beasore Road to Minarets Road are closed to the public. Residents within the road closure are allowed into the area with valid identification.

Trails:

Per the U.S. Forest Service Closure Order number 15-13-09, all trails within the Kaiser Wilderness are closed.

Evacuations

Additional campground closures went in to affect as a precautionary measure. 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

Cooperating agencies on the Aspen Fire include the US Forest Service, the California Highway Patrol, the Madera County Sheriff’s Office, and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. There are also personnel from Cal Fire and the Park Service.

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.

Containment of the fire is anticipated on July 31.