3,000 Acre Wildfire Burns Miles South of Mammoth Mountain, California

About 15 miles from Mammoth Mountain, California, a 3,000-acre wildfire that prompted evacuation orders and damaged structures has struck.

The blaze, known as the Pack Fire, was spotted on Thursday and was fuelled by strong winds. Its cause is under investigation, according to Cal Fire. 

Cal Fire reported Friday afternoon that firefighters had pushed the wildfire to 5% containment, adding that minimal fire activity and smoldering were observed overnight. There’s been light to moderate rainfall over the fire, the agency added, and crews are working to build and improve containment lines.

The communities of Long Valley and McGee remain under evacuation orders, while Crowley Lake faces a warning. Mammoth Lakes Middle School in Mammoth Lakes, California, and the Tri-County Fairgrounds in Bishop, California, are being used as evacuation shelters.

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While an assessment of the damage is still ongoing, Cal Fire said that 15 structures have been damaged. Another 1,126 structures are threatened, according to the agency. 

“Our hearts go out to all the families, communities, and businesses affected by the devastating Pack Fire,” the Town of Mammoth Lakes wrote in a social media post. “Thank you to our courageous firefighters and first responders.”

The Mammoth Lakes Chamber of Commerce said in a web post that several local families have lost homes and livelihoods. The organization also shared a link for donations that will support those affected by the fire. 

Mammoth Mountain hasn’t opened yet for the season. It was initially planned to open on Saturday, but has since delayed its opening day, noting that a recent storm cycle hadn’t produced as much snow as expected. The resort’s now assessing snow conditions daily, and colder temperatures are in the forecast. 

Wildfires present a year-round threat in California. Typically, though, they’re largest between July and October, the peak season. 

Last year, a wildfire passed through Mountain High, a California ski resort, destroying a few structures used by ski patrollers. Still, the mountain was mostly spared and able to open for the 2024-25 season.

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