SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST – The most recent updates from fire officials show the French Fire now at 8,207 acres with 15% containment.
Once again, a blanket of thick smoke hangs over the mountains and foothills, limiting flight time for air operations supporting a burnout on the southern edge of the fire. As the top priority, work to improve that southern line will continue today.
Crews will also continue building fire lines along the western edge, and containment lines to the north as the fire backs down towards the Windy Point Boat Launch at Mammoth Pool.
A small fire camp is being established at the Minarets Forest Service Work Center, helping to reduce travel time for crews working on the northern end near Mammoth Pool.
Fire officials predict that the perimeter will continue to grow on the north and west sides of the fire, and high pressure will prevail over the area with little change in conditions over the weekend. Lightning continues to be a concern over the crest of the Sierra.
A Forest Service Area Road and Trail Closure, Forest Order # 15-14-07, has been issued for the French Fire area. More information about the Forest Closure and the closure can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/o44cvyu.
