"A wildfire near Crowley Lake on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada broke out midday Thursday and is rapidly spreading in southern Mono County, less than 20 miles south of Mammoth Mountain. The Pack Fire ignited shortly after noon on Thursday, according to Cal Fire. The fire has burned approximately 1,000 acres about a quarter mile from the lake with no containment."
"While much of the Sierra is experiencing winter storm conditions, the region where the fire is burning is under cloud cover and facing severe winds, making conditions extra difficult for those fighting the fire Thursday. Alison Hesterly, a spokesperson for Cal Fire, said crews are having a difficult time fighting the blaze with "sustained winds upwards of 20-30 mph." "That and the inclement weather is not allowing aircraft to fly in," she continued. "It is challenging conditions for the firefighters.""
"The fire is burning close to Highway 395, which is closed in the area, and McGee Creek Road. In addition to Crowley Lake, evacuations have been issued for McGee Creek and Aspen Springs. Thursday's fire comes as dry and warm weather forces ski resorts across the Sierra Nevada to delay their opening days. As of Thursday afternoon, there is no precipitation in the area, according to Hesterly."
A wildfire near Crowley Lake on the eastern Sierra Nevada ignited midday Thursday and rapidly spread in southern Mono County, less than 20 miles south of Mammoth Mountain. The Pack Fire burned about 1,000 acres a quarter mile from the lake with no containment. The fire threatened Highway 395 and McGee Creek Road; evacuations were ordered for McGee Creek and Aspen Springs. Cloud cover and sustained 20–30 mph winds prevented aircraft operations and complicated firefighting, and crews could not distinguish smoke from clouds on satellite imagery. Multiple agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service and BLM, joined Cal Fire. No precipitation was present, and the area is entering a November–March fire season.
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