Saturday Update: Highway 395 remains closed near Lee Vining after growing wildfire
The Marina Fire burning north of Lee Vining and west of Highway 395 has consumed more than 600 acres as of Saturday morning and is 5 percent contained, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Highway 395 remains closed near the fire area as of early this afternoon.
The fire has been determined to be human-caused and remains under investigation. It grew after spotting across Highway 395 Friday afternoon south of Mono City and was pushed by strong down canyon winds.
Highway 395 is closed at the town of Lee Vining on the south at the turnoff for Hawthorne, (Highway 167) on the north. There is no estimated time for the highway to re-open at this time. The Tioga Lodge and two additional residences have been evacuated. Lee Vining and Mono City are under an evacuation advisory.
Alternative Routes:
Southbound US Hwy 395 in Mono County: Take State Route 167 which turns into Nevada 359 to the junction of US Hwy 95. Go south on US Hwy 95 to State Route 360. At the junction of US Hwy 6 go south to US Hwy 395.
Northbound US Hwy 395 Mono County: Take State Route 120 East towards Benton. At US Hwy 6 go north to Nevada State Route 360, and north of US Hwy 95 to the junction of State Route 359. Go West on SR 359 to State Route 167 which will take you back to US Hwy. 395.
Carson Now reader Amanda Pace notes there is an alternative route if motorists are coming from Dayton and Carson City. "I went from Dayton to Highway 50, then 95-Alt, to 360, to the 6, which dropped off in Bishop at 395," she said.
Crews worked overnight to secure firelines near the communities and the highway, taking advantage of cooler temperatures and calm winds that decreased fire behavior. Crews on Saturday will continue to construct direct line on the north and south flanks, and look for opportunities for indirect contingency lines. Warm, dry conditions will continue and down canyon winds are anticipated this afternoon.
There are approximately 300 personnel on the fire. A Type 2 team has been ordered and will in brief today before assuming command of the fire.
Seven hand crews, 23 engines, six helicopters, two fixed wing aircraft, and two dozers are assigned to the fire.
The fire is under Unified Command with the US Forest Service and Mono County Sheriff’s Office.