Slinkard Fire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Slinkard Fire |
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Slinkard Fire on August 30, 2017
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| Location | Walker, Mono County, California, United States Alpine County, California, United States Douglas County, Nevada, United States |
| Coordinates | 38°37′08″N 119°33′25″W / 38.619°N 119.557°W |
| Statistics | |
| Cost | $1.9 million (2017 USD) |
| Date(s) | August 29, 2017 – September 12, 2017 |
| Burned area | 8,925 acres (36 km2) |
| Cause | Lightning |
| Map | |
 Location in California
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The Slinkard Fire was a large wildfire that happened in Mono County, California, in the United States. It started on August 29, 2017, because of a lightning strike. The fire was finally put out on September 12, 2017. It burned a huge area of 8,925 acres (36 km2) of land.
Contents
How the Fire Started and Grew
The Slinkard Fire was first seen on August 29, 2017, at 6:00 PM. It began in Slinkard Valley, west of Topaz, California. A lightning strike was the cause of the fire.
Fire Spreads and Roads Close
By August 30, strong winds made the fire spread quickly. It crossed California State Route 89 and moved closer to Topaz. Because of the fire, Highway 395 was closed in the area. People living north of State Route 89 in Topaz had to leave their homes. State Route 89 was also closed between Highway 395 and California State Route 4.
At this point, the fire had burned about 1,500 acres (6 km2). It was burning through dry plants like cheat grass, sagebrush, and juniper trees. By the evening, the fire grew to 3,000 acres (12 km2) and was not contained at all. Highway 395 was closed from Bridgeport all the way to the Nevada state line. The fire even spread into Alpine County, California, and Douglas County, Nevada.
Fire Continues to Grow
On the morning of August 31, the fire had grown to 5,000 acres (20 km2). It reached Highway 395 and crossed State Route 89 again. The fire was still mainly in Slinkard Valley but had also spread to Antelope Valley. Power went out in many nearby areas. Road closures and evacuation orders stayed in place. Throughout the day, the fire moved uphill and closer to Alpine County.
Overnight, the fire was very active and moved in unexpected ways. It moved north and west, burning along slopes near Highway 395. Firefighters worked hard to protect the California Inspection Station, which was saved. Crews also focused on protecting Holbrook Junction and the Leviathan Lookout. All evacuations for Topaz and road closures remained.
Fire Slows Down
On September 2, the fire did not spread much because the winds were calm. Fire crews were worried that rising temperatures, light winds, and low humidity could make the fire grow again. Luckily, Highway 395 was reopened in the area.
By September 3, the fire had burned 9,051 acres (37 km2). Firefighters had contained 35% of it. A small new fire started near Highway 395, but it was put out quickly. The next day, only Highway 89 over Monitor Pass remained closed.
Fire Contained
By the morning of September 5, the Slinkard Fire was 74% contained. The fire was mostly on the west side of Antelope Valley, west of Topaz Lake, and about eight miles north of Walker. At this point, the fire was only burning in Mono County. It was no longer in Alpine County, California, or Douglas County, Nevada.
Many people and equipment helped fight the fire. There were 322 firefighters, four helicopters, 24 fire engines, two bulldozers, and seven water trucks. Finally, on September 12, the Slinkard Fire was 100% contained.
