Inn Fire Forces Road Closures and Evacuations in Mono County

Inn Fire Forces Road Closures and Evacuations in Mono County

U.S. Highway 395 remains shut down between Mono City and Lee Vining due to the ongoing Inn Fire, which has burned an estimated 540 acres as of Friday morning. Mandatory evacuations are still in effect as firefighters battle the blaze that started on Thursday afternoon.

As of this morning, the Nevada Type 3 Incident Management Team 4 has assumed command of firefighting operations, led by Incident Commander Danny Gallagher. According to fire officials, progress is being made on the eastern side of Highway 395 as crews work to strengthen containment lines and conduct mop-up operations in previously burned areas. However, the fire has continued to spread to the west, creating multiple fingers and extending its affected area.

• Fire behavior remains elevated, fueled by dry conditions typical of late summer.
• Firefighters face challenges due to unseasonably early fire activity.
• Power has recently been restored to the Bridgeport area, with hopes to restore power to Mono City soon.

The decision to keep Highway 395 closed in both directions is based on concerns for firefighter and public safety while crews continue their efforts.

Evacuations and Road Closures

Evacuations have been mandated for several areas, including:

• MCU-E023
• MCU-E024A
• MCU-E024B
• MCU-E025

Evacuation shelters have been set up at:

• Bridgeport Memorial Hall: 73 North School Street, Bridgeport
• Lee Vining Community Center: 296 Mattly Avenue, Lee Vining

Given the magnitude of the fire, authorities are urging travelers using Highway 395 to find alternate routes. Southbound traffic should divert to State Route 167 or NV 208, while northbound traffic should head to U.S. 6 in Bishop.

Fighting the Fire and Challenges Ahead

The Inn Fire initiated on May 22 around 3:36 p.m. and quickly escalated due to erratic winds, prompting a full suppression response that included aerial resources. Initial reports indicated that one structure was adversely impacted early in the incident.

Firefighting resources from various agencies, including the Inyo National Forest and CAL FIRE, have been deployed to combat the fire. Strike teams continue to arrive, and a Type 3 Incident Management Team has been activated to oversee operations.

Fire crews worked diligently overnight, and by the early hours of May 23, fire lines were established, particularly along the eastern edge of the fire near Mono Lake. However, evacuations will not be lifted until the northern flank is secured and the threat of spot fires diminishes.

This fire serves as a stark reminder of the growing dangers associated with wildfires, particularly as climate conditions continue to shift, creating environments conducive to rapid fire growth. Authorities stress the importance of preparedness and monitoring updates as the situation unfolds.

As the fire continues to develop, residents and travelers are highly encouraged to stay informed through local updates from CalTrans District 9 and the Mono County Sheriff’s Office regarding road statuses and evacuation information.