Here is the latest from CalFire on the Center Fire in the Eastern Sierra town of Big Pine California and another video of the fire. You can really feel the wind in this one.

• Acres Burned: 1200
• Containment: 1,200 acres – 35% contained.
  Full containment expected on Sunday 3/20
• Structures Destroyed: Estimated 19 residences damaged or destroyed
  100 more are still threatened
• Evacuations: Mandatory evacuations are in place at the following areas:
  • Everything west of West St in Big Pine
  • All other evacuations have been lifted
  • Evacuation centers have been set up at the Big Pine High School and Big Pine Indian Reservation gym.
• Cause: Under investigation
• Conditions: Yesterday the fire grew rapidly as it was fanned by extremely strong winds, but last night and this morning the winds have diminished and the area has received light rain.
  Highway 395 is back open in both directions.
  The public can call 760-937-1686 to locate displaced residents.

For more information visit this link at CalFire: http://cdfdata.fire.ca.gov/incidents/incidents_details_info?incident_id=482

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A wildfire is currently burning in the Eastern Sierra town of Big Pine. The latest information I can find puts the fire at 2000 acres burned with at least 12 homes destroyed. US 395 was closed for a time yesterday as winds 20 -30 mph with gust up to 50 mph caused the fire to jump the highway. As of 12:30 this morning Hwy 395 was reopened but northbound and southbound traffic was being escorted by CHP and CalTrans through the burn area. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.

More high winds are forecast today in the Owens Valley. A Wind Advisory and High Wind Watch are currently issued for the area. The storm that’s moving into the Sierra Nevada today will bring a 30% chance of rain to the valley. Hopefully humidity levels will go up and help the firefighters fighting this blaze.

Here is some video that was posted on YouTube showing the fire burning from Hwy 395.

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Here’s the latest from InciWeb on the Bull and Mono Fires:

Bull Fire: Over 2,000 firefighters, along with a helicopters and air tankers, have been making outstanding progress containing the Bull Fire. As of this morning, July 29th, 16,074 acres have burned. The fire is twelve percent contained. No evacuations are in place, as residents of Riverkern were allowed back into their homes Wednesday morning. Mountain Highway 99 remains closed along the Kern River at Headquarters Campground, north of Kernville, and an area closure has been implemented for the fire area.

More info on the Bull Fire

Mono Fire: The Mono Fire is burning in the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area of the Inyo National Forest. It is burning in between US 395 and the north end of the Mono Craters, south of Highway 120 East. The fire is currently 1200 acres. The cause of the fire has been determined to be lightning.

Highway 120 East, Test Station Road and the day use areas at South Tufa and Navy Beach have been re-opened to the public. Please use caution when traveling through the area as many emergency vehicles are still parked along the edge of the road.

More info on the Mono Fire

Yesterday the Bull Fire, burning in the Southern Sierra Nevada within Sequoia National Forest, grew significantly. It is now at 11,000 acres and only 5% contained. It’s burning on both sides of the Upper Kern River above Kernville.

• Evacuations on Burma Road in Kernville (off Burlando Road) and evacuations of the community of Riverkern.
• Roads Closures: Mt. 99 closed from Kernville, to Brush Creek Flat.(Approximately 18 miles).

The Mono Fire also grew yesterday and is now at 1000 acres. It is 20% contained. It’s burning in the Mono Basin National Forest Scenic Area of the Inyo National Forest. It is burning in between US 395 and the north end of the Mono Craters, south of Highway 120 East.

• Highway 120 East is currently closed, as are Test Station Road, the day use areas at South Tufa and Navy Beach on the shores of Mono Lake.

For the most up to date information on these fires, including maps and photos,
Visit the CA page on InciWeb.org