Slinkard Fire Update
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TOPAZ, Calif. - The Slinkard Fire is estimated to be 5,000 acres with 0% containment this morning. The fire has burned to Hwy 395 and crossed Hwy 89 to the north.
Last night, fire crews focused on the eastern flank of the fire along Hwy 395 and engine crews were dedicated to structure protection in northern Topaz. There are no injuries and no structures lost at this time. Power is out in the immediate area.
The Sierra Front 2 (Type 3) Incident Management Team took command of the incident last night. Today, fire crews will continue to focus on protecting structures and infrastructure near in Topaz and along the Hwy 395 corridor, re-establishing anchor points on the fire and constructing fire line for perimeter control.
Topaz has been evacuated north of Hwy 89 to the Nevada state line. For public safety, Hwy 89 remains closed between Hwy 395 and Hwy 4 (at Monitor Pass). Hwy 395 is closed from the junction of State Route 182 in Bridgeport to the Nevada state line. However, Hwy 395 will be open with highway patrol escort when safe.
A detour is in place for Hwy 395 and access to Bridgeport remains open.
Numerous resources are ordered including hand crews, which are a critical need, and air attack and lead plane, two single engine air tankers, a heavy air tanker and two super scoopers.
The fire is located in Slinkard Valley and the west slope of Antelope Valley, west of Topaz in Mono County, California. The fire is burning in cheat grass, sagebrush and pinyon/juniper.
There are two hand crews, 30 engines, three helicopters, four water tenders, 1 dozer and support staff assigned to the fire. A Type 2 Incident Management Team is en route. This is a lightning-caused fire.
Cooperators include the Bureau of Land Management Bishop Field Office, Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, Antelope Valley Fire Protection District, East Fork Fire Protection District, Cal OES, CAL FIRE, Mono County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, Nevada Highway Patrol, Douglas County Sherriff’s Department, CalTrans and Nevada DOT.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.