Pack Fire in California’s Mono County destroys over 2 dozen of structures

By Brandon Downs

More than two dozen structures were destroyed in a wildfire in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains on Wednesday afternoon, officials said. 

The Pack Fire burned about 3,000 acres in the area of Highway 395 and McGee Creek Road, near Lake Crowley in Mono County, Cal Fire said. This is located about 12 miles southeast of the popular Mammoth Mountain ski resort.

As of Saturday, the fire was about 32% contained. Crews reported light to moderate rainfall over the fire Wednesday night. 

Cal Fire said initial reports indicated power lines were down in the area. Crews also reported wind gusts up to 50 mph. All tankers had to be released from the fire due to extreme weather. 

Firefighters said McGee Creek RV Park was impacted by the fire, with about 15 homes involved. 

In an update Friday night, crews reported 28 structures were destroyed. It’s unclear how many were homes. Damage inspection was still ongoing on Saturday, but was nearly complete.

Mono County Office of Emergency Management declared a local emergency. This allows resources to quickly respond to the scene. 

Pack Fire evacuations

The fire has forced mandatory evacuations for the Long Valley and McGee Creek communities, Mammoth Lakes police said Thursday night.

Crowley Lake was previously under a mandatory evacuation order, but that has since been downgraded to a warning, with residents allowed to return. Apsen Springs, Hilton Creek, Convict Lake and Sunny Slopes remain under evacuation warnings.

In total, about 1,800 residents and nearly 1,200 structures were impacted by the evacuation orders and warnings. 

Evacuation centers that were opened for the fire have since closed.

The evacuations did not include the city of Mammoth Lakes. 

Highway 395 reopens

Cal Fire said Highway 395 was shut down from Benton Crossing to Rock Creek. Caltrans said this section of the highway was included in a high-profile provision due to powerful winds. High-profile vehicles were recommended to use Highway 6 in Bishop as a detour.

The highway has since reopened. 

 The fire comes as much of the state gets rain and some snow at higher elevations. ALERTCalifornia cameras show dark clouds over the fire. The cameras also show snow at Mammoth Mountain’s peak. 

It’s unknown what caused the fire at this time.

Check back for updates.