EASTERN MADERA COUNTY – Mammoth Pool/Minarets Road (Forest Road 4S81) was reopened on Wednesday, Aug. 7, at 6 p.m., along with all the campgrounds throughout the area (see list below).
The Aspen Fire is now 80% contained, and has consumed 21,931 acres. No structures have been lost, and there have been only three injuries.
The number of personnel assigned to the fire has been drawn down from just over 2,000, to 1,275 as of Wednesday, Aug. 7. Cost to date to fight the fire is $26.5 million.
Fire crews and Air Support have been very successful securing the fire perimeter. Unburned vegetation in the interior of the fireline will continue to burn. Most areas of the fireline are now in patrol status and fire crews continue to mop up 150 feet inside the fire perimeter.
Back-hauling of equipment began today. As resources become available they are being offered for reassignment to other fires.
Resource advisors are working with suppression crews on fire suppression repair efforts of fire lines within the fire perimeter. The objectives of fire suppression repair is to minimize erosion and sediment movement on and around the fireline, as well as to prevent firelines being confused as trails.
As crews continue to gain containment of the Aspen Fire, rehabilitation will become a high priority.
The inversion layer will again increase the accumulation of smoke in canyons and drainages. Smoke from the Aspen Fire continues to impact air quality in local communities. Individuals sensitive to smoke are advised to remain indoors and keep windows closed to minimize exposure to smoke. For more information visit www.valleyair.org or www.airquality.org/smokeimpact/
Road, Trail and Campground Closures
Roads: Stump Springs Road is closed to all traffic due to fire suppression activity.
Forest Road 4S81 was opened today at 6:00 P.M.
Trails: Per the U.S. Forest Service Closure Order Number 15-13-09, all trails within the Kaiser Wilderness are closed.
Campgrounds:
Sample Meadow and Kaiser Pass remain closed
The following campgrounds within the Sierra National Forest were opened today at 6:00 P.M.
Jackass Rock Organization
Lower Chiquito
Little Jackass
Soda Springs
Placer
Sweet Water
China Bar
Rock Creek
Badger Flat
Midge Creek
Mammoth Pool
Fish Creek
Wagners Mammoth Pool Resort
Rancheria Campground remains closed to house firefighters
WOOOHOOO.. Thanks to all of those who are responsible for saving my little peace of Heaven!!