Retirement Celebrations

You're CAL FIRE family will miss you both dearly! 

You've worked hard to get to this point,
ENJOY RETIREMENT !!!

Successful Management Review

Bi-Annually CAL FIRE/CDCR Conservation Camps statewide go through a cooperative agency management review to ensure all expectations are being achieved (health/safety/operations). On March 28th, 2013 the Owens Valley Conservation Camp, located in Bishop, CA, successfully completed their camp management review. The executive staff arranged a visit to the camp for the closing of this review.

(Left to right)

Renee Barton - Executive Secretary 

Rod Bywater - Acting Unit Chief 

Darren Feldman - Unit Administrative Chief - AO

Ron Janssen - Battalion Chief 

Chris Hardy - Battalion Chief

Christy Morton - Owens Valley Office Technician

J. Paul Melendrez - Owens Valley Division Chief

Letter of Appreciation to the Owens Valley Conservation Camp

Burn Suspension Lifted in Inyo and Mono Counties

Officials from the San Bernardino Unit of CAL FIRE have lifted the special burn suspension in Inyo and Mono counties effective 6 a.m. on Wednesday, January 25, 2012. Fire Prevention Battalion Chief Preston Fouts says “outdoor burning will once again be allowed until weather conditions require the burn suspension to be reinstituted.” According to Chief Fouts, each request for a burn permit will be accompanied with a physical inspection of the property. There will also be special instructions placed on the permits such as; extra clearance, making sure that there is a charged water source immediately available and tools are at hand. “While there is always the possibility of wildland fire, we want to allow residents in those areas that are able to burn to do so and thereby reduce any dead cut and piled vegetation that can become a fire hazard in itself. With the personal inspections prior to the issuance of the burn permit and cooperating weather, we feel confident that with the property owners as partners in prevention with CAL FIRE, we can reduce some of the current fire potential” said Unit Chief Tim McClelland.

The special restrictions that remain in Inyo and Mono Counties regarding opening fires include:
1. Use of campfires is restricted to within established campfire facilities located in established campgrounds open to the public.
2. Cooking fires with a valid permit are permissive when no alternate means of cooking is available and requires an on-site inspection prior to the issuance of a permit.
3. Warming fires with a valid permit are permissive and require an on-site inspection prior to the issuance of a permit when weather conditions exist to justify the request.
4. Burn permits issued to property owners for their parcels will have been inspected to ensure adequate clearance and prevention guidelines to reduce the risk of uncontrolled fires.
5. Project burn permits will continue to be reviewed as set forth by the Unit and local CAL FIRE Chief Officer in that area.

It is important for every property owner to maintain their 100 foot clearance (or to the property line) of their properties. To find out more about how to fire safe your homes and property you can contact your local fire department, CAL FIRE or go to the CAL FIRE web site at www.fire.ca.gov or www.readyforwildfire.org

Cal Fire Suspends Burning Permits

CAL FIRE is suspending burning permits on ALL STATE RESPONSIBILITY LANDS WITHIN INYO, MONO and SAN BERNARDINO COUNTIES. This is being done because of the anticipated severe windy period being forecast for this week which when combined with the dry vegetation throughout the region creates a high potential for wildland fire. The burn suspension will be instituted beginning Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at 6:00 A.M. in accordance with Section 4423.1 of the California Public Resources Code. The suspension is effective except in incorporated cities. Additionally, the use of campfires is restricted to campfire facilities located within established campgrounds that are open to the public.
Tim McClelland, CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit Chief says “the forecast possibility of unusually strong winds combined with the dry vegetation across the wildland areas of Southern California and the areas of Inyo and Mono counties increases the potential for fire ignitions. By taking this step, we hope to reduce the accidental fire starts that can threaten life and property within Inyo, Mono and San Bernardino Counties.”
Homeowner’s responsibility is the key to fire safety. Following the law and having their 100 feet of defensible space (or to the property line) is a great first step in making their homes and property fire resistive.
Once again, the Burning Permit Suspension is effective beginning Wednesday morning, November 30, 2011 at 6:00 A.M. and will remain in effect until the suspension is terminated by CAL FIRE.

John Incident Update

John Fire at Highway 395, 2 miles south of Big Pine (Inyo County) is now 5,353 acres and 95% contained.

Crews worked throughout last night to gain containment of the fire. Demobilization of resources is in progress.

Road closures lifted as of 8:00 am this morning.

John Incident

The John Fire started yesterday afternoon at Highway 395 in Inyo County.

Update as of 8:30am this morning is the fire is 2 miles south of Big Pine and is now 2,000 acres at 15% contained.

***Updates to follow***

Arson Suspects Arrested

CAL FIRE fire investigators assisted in the investigation and arrest of three teenagers for arson fires in the Bishop area. The fires were set on November 11th, 12th, and 13th. The multiple fires were reported in the city and county areas of Bishop in the Owens Valley. Investigators from the Inyo County Sheriff's Department, CAL FIRE, Bishop Police and Fire Departments put the case together.

Thomas Stone, 18 years old from Bishop, Jared Manga, 18 years old from Bishop: and one 16 year old juvenile from Bishop were arrested. All three suspects were charged with arson and conspiracy. "These fires had the potential to cause major damage and potential loss of life, but the quick response by Bishop Fire and Investigators avoided potential tragedy." said Inyo County Sheriff Bill Lutze.