Lightning Sparks Wildfires Near Cartago, Ca
Incident: Honeybee WFU Wildland Fire Used for Resource Benefit
Released: 5/6/2008
Lightning Sparks Wildfires Near Cartago
A series of thunderstorms moved through the local area on the afternoon of May 5, 2008, sparking at least two fires in the Sierra Nevada range near Olancha.
The Inyo National Forest reports that the Braley Fire is located at approximately 8500 feet elevation in the mountains west of Cartago, will be managed as a Wildland Fire Use Fire. The fire was discovered at approximately 4:15 pm on May 5th. It is 0.10 acre, burning in timber.
A second wildfire, the Honeybee Fire, was reported on the afternoon of May 6, 2008. It is located northwest of Cartago and is 50 to 100 acres, also burning in timber. This fire is also being managed as a Wildland Fire Use Fire.
The Inyo National Forest requested an aerial reconnaissance of the southern part of the Forest to determine if any other fires had ignited from the series of thunderstorms. The reconnaissance detected no other fires at this time, but it is possible that other fires may be detected at a later time as the area dries out from any rain that was received. Another aerial reconnaissance flight will be conducted on the morning of May 7th, and will be repeated as necessary to monitor these fires and detect any others.
A Wildland Fire Use Fire, also known as a fire for resource benefit, is a naturally-ignited (lightning) wildland fire managed for resource management objectives and to create ecological health within the forest. These fires are usually in remote areas that are often inaccessible and difficult to suppress. They are closely monitored to ensure that the fire stays within established boundaries and meets resource objectives.
Smoke from the Braley Fire and the Honeybee Fire will be visible from Highway 395 for several days. Smoke from the Honeybee Fire may also be visible from as far away as Ridgecrest.
For more information, please contact Kenny Gaynor at 873-2541.
