Chimney Fire Update

Chimney Fire Update

The Chimney Fire was reported to the Bureau of Land Management at approximately 3:30 p.m. on June 1st in the area of Chimney Peak campground.  The cause of the fire is under investigation. When firefighters arrived on scene the fire was approximately 30 acres and was growing rapidly in difficult terrain.  Firefighters and local and county law enforcement moved quickly to suppress the fire and evacuate private residences and campgrounds in the Chimney Peak area; no structures have been lost to the fire. 

The fire is currently estimated at 1,000 acres and is burning primarily in the Chimney Peak and Owens Peak wilderness areas. The fire is burning in an area adjacent to the Pacific Crest Trail, and the trail is closed between Highway 178 and Kennedy Meadows. The fire has not burned across the trail, however hikers are asked to avoid the area. Chimney Peak/Canebreak Road is closed to all traffic. Nine Mile Road is open only to local residents and fire vehicles only.

Firefighters are working hard to contain the fire while minimizing impacts to the wilderness. A Type 2 Fire Management Team will be taking control of the Chimney Fire this afternoon. 
 
Incident Priorities:

• To provide for public and firefighter safety.
• To protect wilderness character in the Chimney and Owens Peak Wilderness Areas

Weather and Fire Behavior:

Temperature: 75–79^oF, Wind: 7 – 9 MPH from West.  Growth Potential: Moderate

Agencies Involved:

Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, National Park Service, California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), Kern County Fire, Tulare County Fire, Tulare County Sheriff.