U.S. Forest Service - Inyo National Forest

U.S. Forest Service - Inyo National Forest Inyo National Forest welcomes you to discover nature as your gateway to the Eastern Sierra.

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he law if published here
- Include offensive language targeting specific ethnic or racial groups. The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the Nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations. The Forest Service motto, "Caring for the Land and Serving People," captures the spirit of our mission, which we accomplish through five main activities:
Protection and management of natural resources on National Forest System lands. Research on all aspects of forestry, rangeland management, and forest resource utlization.

Incident Update: Wheeler FireAugust 13, 2026Location: Wheeler Crest, Mono County Ca. Start Date: August 10, 2026 Cause: ...
08/13/2026

Incident Update: Wheeler Fire
August 13, 2026

Location: Wheeler Crest, Mono County Ca.
Start Date: August 10, 2026
Cause: Lightning
Size in acres: 1 acre
Percent contained: 0%
Total personnel: 50

TOPLINE HIGHLIGHTS
Fire is highly visible from Communities and Highway 395

CURRENT SITUATION: The Wheeler fire is burning on Wheeler Ridge in a steep and rough cliff area. Access has been difficult even with helicopters. A full suppression strategy is being implemented using aviation assets for direct extinguishment and ground resources for indirect confinement. Three hand crews and various equipment are currently installing control lines in lower and more accessible terrain between the fire and values at risk. Helicopters are being used for bucket drops and are scouting potential options for helispots to insert crews closer to the fire edge.

WEATHER: There is a chance of showers and thunderstorms today. High around 58. Winds 10-15 mph out of the South. Warmer and sunny weather expected tomorrow and through the weekend.

EVACUATIONS, SHELTERS, CLOSURES: None.

The Forest Service is hiring three permanent positions on the Inyo National Forest and encourages local residents to app...
08/05/2026

The Forest Service is hiring three permanent positions on the Inyo National Forest and encourages local residents to apply. Listings for a Supervisory Civil Engineer, Civil Engineer, and Hydrologist are open through Aug.10. Applications must be submitted through USAJOBS.gov.

How to Apply
View job announcements and submit applications at USAJOBS.gov using the following announcement numbers. Please review job announcements carefully for deadlines and required materials.

- Supervisory Civil Engineer: 26-GVA-Q4-13020718-DP (https://www.usajobs.gov/job/878837000). For more information, contact: [email protected]

- Civil Engineer: 26-GVA-Q4-13020309-DP (https://www.usajobs.gov/job/878820800). For more information, contact: [email protected]

- Hydrologist: 26-SVA-Q4-13020921-DP (https://www.usajobs.gov/job/878846600). For more information, contact: [email protected]

With the at 97% containment and the at 95% containment, we will no longer be updating Inciweb. You can find updates ...
08/04/2026

With the at 97% containment and the at 95% containment, we will no longer be updating Inciweb.
You can find updates for the Cinder Complex here: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2026/7/24/cinder-complex

Any current information will still be available on the Inciweb site. Current Forest Service recreation site and trail closures are still in effect, you can stay updated about them here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/inyo/alerts/rock-fire-cinder-complex-information-and-trail-impacts

Please be aware that there is a BLM closure in effect as well:https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2026-07/BLM-CA-Temporary-Closure-Order-for-public-lands-burned-in-the-Rock-Fire-Cinder-Complex_508.pdf

If you have immediate questions about the Rock Fire you can contact the Inyo National Forest general information line at 760-873-2400.

Photo: A rainbow appears over Rock Creek Lake as cloudy skies develop after a summertime afternoon thunderstorm on the Inyo National Forest. Wheeler Ridge is seen in the background.

SAFETY ALERT: Please do your part in stopping the spread of the Golden Mussel.
08/03/2026

SAFETY ALERT: Please do your part in stopping the spread of the Golden Mussel.

This will be the last daily update for the and . The Rock Fire Area Forest Order Closure from Birch Lake Trail to Saw...
08/02/2026

This will be the last daily update for the and . The Rock Fire Area Forest Order Closure from Birch Lake Trail to Sawmill Pass is still in effect. Check www.fs.usda.gov/r05/inyo for updates on closures.

*Beginning on August 3rd, the Fire Information line will transition to the Inyo National Forest general information line at 760-873-2400.

For maps and even more information on the Rock Fire and Cinder Complex go over to Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident.../cainf-rock-fire
Inyo National Forest Rock Fire Trail Closures Webpage: https://www.fs.usda.gov/.../alerts/rock-fire-area-closure

Rock Fire
Location: Black Rock Springs Road and Hwy 395, Poverty Hills, Inyo County, CA
Cause: Under Investigation
Size: 12,008
Percent contained: 92%
Start date: July 20, 2026

Cinder Complex
Location: Tinnemaha Road and Taboose Creek Road, North of Aberdeen, Inyo County
Cause: Lightning
Size: 2,784
Percent contained: 91%
Start date: July 24, 2026

CURRENT SITUATION:
Activity on the Rock Fire and Cinder Complex is mainly mop up, backhauling, and cold trailing to reinforce and confirm containment lines. Cold trailing involves crews controlling an extinguished fire edge by carefully inspecting and feeling with the hand for heat to detect any fire, digging out every live spot, and trenching any live edge. This normally continues until the fire is fully contained. Aircraft will continue to be available for any needs on the fire.

WEATHER:
Conditions across the area remain hot and dry with temperatures reaching triple digits. In the afternoon, wind gusts could reach up to 25mph. No thunderstorm activity is expected. These conditions are expected to last through at least mid-week.

EVACUATION, SHELTER, AND CLOSURE INFORMATION:
Visit Ready Inyo https://tr.ee/ReadyInyo for the most current and up to date Road Closures, Shelter Locations and Evacuation information.

Is your home fire ready? The and are stark reminders that wildfire season is here. Wildfire is a reality in the East...
08/02/2026

Is your home fire ready? The and are stark reminders that wildfire season is here. Wildfire is a reality in the Eastern Sierra, and everyone has a responsibility to take steps to prepare.

We’re pleased to partner with the Whitebark Institute to share some excellent resources for defensible space and tips to improve the fire resiliency of your home and community: https://whitebarkinstitute.org/igniteawareness/

Ignite Adventure Not Wildfires🥾: https://whitebarkinstitute.org/igniteawareness/

Check out the and morning update for 08/01/2026:For maps and even more information on the Rock Fire and Cinder Compl...
08/01/2026

Check out the and morning update for 08/01/2026:
For maps and even more information on the Rock Fire and Cinder Complex go over to Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident.../cainf-rock-fire
Inyo National Forest Rock Fire Trail Closures Webpage: https://www.fs.usda.gov/.../alerts/rock-fire-area-closure

Rock Fire
Location: Black Rock Springs Road and Hwy 395, Poverty Hills, Inyo County, CA
Cause: Under Investigation
Size: 12,008
Percent contained: 88%
Start date: July 20, 2026

Cinder Complex
Location: Tinnemaha Road and Taboose Creek Road, North of Aberdeen, Inyo County
Cause: Lightning
Size: 2,784
Percent contained: 88%
Start date: July 24, 2026

CURRENT SITUATION:
The Rock Fire and Cinder Complex have very little fire activity. As afternoon winds pick up, sand and ash may be seen blowing around the fire area. Crews are still working in the area strengthening containment lines to 500 feet within the fireline. They are backhauling hose, flagging, and other fire equipment that has been in use since the fire began. Firefighters are continuing to practice excellent safety measures during the final stages of the incident.

WEATHER:
Conditions across the area remain hot and dry with temperatures reaching triple digits. In the afternoon, wind gusts could reach up to 25mph. No thunderstorm activity is expected. These conditions are expected to last through at least mid-week.

EVACUATION, SHELTER, AND CLOSURE INFORMATION:
Visit Ready Inyo https://tr.ee/ReadyInyo for the most current and up to date Road Closures, Shelter Locations and Evacuation information.

July 31 Photo - Goodale creek area is seen in the flats within the burn scar of the Rock Fire. In the background is Armstrong Canyon and Goodale Creek drainage on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada range.

Fire suppression repair is in full swing on the and . Various tools and teams of skilled professionals are utilized t...
08/01/2026

Fire suppression repair is in full swing on the and . Various tools and teams of skilled professionals are utilized to complete suppression repair efforts. Heavy equipment is often the star of the show during this phase of a wildfire incident.
Please note there may be instances of blowing ash and dust seen within the fire area from Highway 395.

July 31 Photos - 1) An excavator works on fire suppression repair efforts at the Rock Fire.
2) Armstrong Canyon located in the eastern Sierra Nevada range is seen with the new burn scar from the Rock Fire
3) Dust and ash is picked up by wind in a burn-scarred field of sagebrush at the base of the eastern Sierra Nevada.

Check out the and morning update for 07/31/2026:For maps and even more information on the Rock Fire and Cinder Compl...
07/31/2026

Check out the and morning update for 07/31/2026:

For maps and even more information on the Rock Fire and Cinder Complex check out Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident.../cainf-rock-fire
Inyo National Forest Rock Fire Trail Closures Webpage: https://www.fs.usda.gov/.../alerts/rock-fire-area-closure

Rock Fire
Location: Black Rock Springs Road and Hwy 395, Poverty Hills, Inyo County, CA
Cause: Under Investigation
Size: 12,008
Percent contained: 85%
Start date: July 20, 2026

Cinder Complex
Location: Tinnemaha Road and Taboose Creek Road, North of Aberdeen, Inyo County
Cause: Lightning
Size: 2,784
Percent contained: 84%
Start date: July 24, 2026

CURRENT SITUATION:
With containment above 80% on both fires, only some interior burning remains. On the Rock Fire, most fire activity is in Armstrong Canyon on the western flank of the fire. Crews and aircraft will continue to monitor this area for the next several weeks.

During a wildfire, natural resources can be damaged in the process of putting out the fire. When the fire slows down, fire suppression repair can begin. This could be installing water bars to prevent erosion, stabilizing soils after dozer activity, repairing fences if needed, and removing soils from creeks or ditches. Fire suppression repair attempts to return the land to the condition that existed before the fire.

WEATHER:
Conditions across the area remain hot and dry with temperatures reaching triple digits. In the afternoon, wind gusts could reach up to 25mph. No thunderstorm activity is expected. These conditions are expected to last through at least mid-week.

EVACUATION, SHELTER, AND CLOSURE INFORMATION:�Visit Ready Inyo https://tr.ee/ReadyInyo for the most current and up to date Road Closures, Shelter Locations and Evacuation information.

With the weather continuing to be hot and dry throughout the weekend and beyond, we’re here to give a friendly reminder ...
07/31/2026

With the weather continuing to be hot and dry throughout the weekend and beyond, we’re here to give a friendly reminder of ongoing fire restrictions on Inyo National Forest lands. Campfires are only allowed in developed campgrounds that have a designated metal campfire ring.

The highlights:
✸ No campfires in dispersed camping areas
✸ Fireworks are always illegal on federal land
✸ If you do have an approved campfire in a developed campground, please be sure it is fully extinguished and cool to the touch before you leave camp, even if you’re just leaving for an hour or two!

Plan ahead and prepare - not sure if the campground you’re visiting is affected by these fire restrictions? All approved Developed Recreation Sites can be found in the full Forest Order here: https://tinyurl.com/ForestOrderJune2026

Learn more: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/inyo/fire/info/fire-restrictions

Be safe, have fun and please keep these details in mind as you adventure throughout the Inyo National Forest.

Address

Bishop, CA
93514

Telephone

(760) 873-2400

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