Overview
- The wildfire expanded to roughly 5.3 square miles by Thursday night with no reported containment, according to Cal Fire.
- Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation orders were issued for Crowley Lake, McGee Creek and nearby zones, with shelters open at Mammoth Lakes Middle School and the Tri-County Fairgrounds in Bishop.
- Officials reported 15 structures damaged and estimated 10 to 20 homes threatened, with an RV or trailer park in McGee Creek impacted.
- U.S. Highway 395 was shut between Tom’s Place and Benton Crossing Road, with drivers rerouted via U.S. 6 through Bishop, Caltrans said.
- Gusts up to about 50 mph grounded firefighting aircraft earlier in the day before precipitation slowed the blaze; crews worked through the night, more resources were due Friday, and the cause remains under investigation.