Pinecrest, CA…The Bell Fire is located in a remote area of the Stanislaus National Forest (STF) on the Summit Ranger District in the Emigrant Wilderness between the 8000 to 9000 ft level. The fire is currently about 4 acres in size and location about 5 miles east of Dodge Ridge Ski Resort, 1.5 miles southeast of Gianelli Trailhead, and 2 miles east of Crabtree Trailhead (as a bird flies).

The STF Incident Management Team (IMT) is utilizing a confine and contain suppression strategy for firefighter and public safety, while utilizing extensive rocky and other natural features (like creeks) as containment lines. The IMT is taking advantage of the recent cooler conditions to control the fire with an indirect attack method of burning out vegetation and fuel between the edge of the fire and control lines.  Burn out will continue as vegetation and fuel conditions are favorable, and the strategy has been successful so far.

Prevention and management of COVID-19 continues to be incorporated during all Forest and fire management activities, including our response to local fires, like the Bell Fire.

The Bell Fire was first detected on July 28, 2020 and was started by lightning from thunderstorms that occurred in the days leading up to its detection. The fire is burning in a very steep and rugged area about a half mile north of Bear Lake and a quarter mile south of the Lake Valley (#19E21) trail that is interspersed with rocky areas and vegetation.

Firefighters are working to contain the fire using natural breaks in vegetation, as well as local trails.Forest Closure Area: No forest, road, or trail closures are in effect in this area at this time. Please use caution while recreating in this general area and avoid the recently burned areas as dead or damaged trees can be immediate safety hazards.

Smoke is likely visible from some trails and roads. Please check the Stanislaus National Forest Webpage for closure order information for other areas, as well as fire restriction areas at this link https://go.usa.gov/xUvWQ.For more information about the Stanislaus National Forest, visit: www.fs.usda.gov/stanislaus

Fire Statistics:

Fire Resources include: 2 Wildland Fire (10-person) Modules, 5 Incident Management Team leaders

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