Aspen Fire Sierra National Forest July 2013

[Aaronw]

The Aspen fire began on July 22, 2013 from a lighting strike. It is located east of Fresno, California near Huntington Lake on the Sierra National Forest. As of August 2, 2013 it has burned over 17,000 acres with more than 1900 personnel assigned to the incident, and suppression costs in excess of 14 million dollars. 

 

I arrived on July 23 with Strike Team 3646C leading 5 engines from the Mendocino National Forest.

 

All photos taken by Aaron Woods.

 

 

The strike team had been covering the Inyo National Forest due to expected thunder storms and possible dry lightning. The attached engines did respond to multiple small lightning fires before being reassigned to the Aspen Fire. Due to work rest rules (maximum of 14 work days excluding travel to and from the incident) the strike team was released from the fire on August 1st, 2013. The fire continues to burn.

 

Strike Team 3646C travelling through Yosemite National Park enroute to the fire. (The Inyo National Forest is on the East side of the Sierras opposite the crest from the location of the fire. Hwy 120 and 41 through Yosemite is the most direct route. These kinds of things are a perk of the job    ).