Cinder Complex

Cinder Complex Fire Report - August 05, 2026

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The Cinder Complex Fire ignited on the afternoon of Friday, July 24, 2026, near Tinnemaha Road and Taboose Creek Road, north of Aberdeen in Inyo County, California.
Size and Containment: As of the latest official updates over the last 72 hours, the fire has burned 2,784 acres and is currently 95% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: The complex consists of multiple fires that were ignited by a barrage of lightning strikes. The fire initially spread through dry vegetation and brush, driven by chaotic thunderstorm outflow winds and extreme summer fire weather conditions. Forward progress has been completely halted, and there has been no overnight growth or recent spread.
Containment Efforts: The fire is operating under a Unified Command that includes the CAL FIRE San Bernardino/Inyo/Mono Unit, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the Inyo County Sheriff's Department. Firefighters have successfully established strong containment lines around the footprint of the complex. Over the last 72 hours, crews have completed active suppression efforts and are currently focused on hauling debris from the fire area, patrolling for any lingering smoke, and finishing suppression-repair work.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: Lawful orders to leave immediately were issued for several zones, including ICU-123-C, ICU-123-D, and ICU-127-A.
Evacuation Warnings: Evacuation warnings, indicating a potential threat to life and property, were issued for zones including ICU-123-E, ICU-123-F, and ICU-127-B.
Curfew: No specific curfews have been officially reported for the evacuation zones at this time.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: An evacuation center was established at the Bishop Senior Center (682 Spruce Street, Bishop, CA 93514). Large animals and livestock can be sheltered at the Tri-County Fairgrounds (1141 Main Street, Bishop, CA 93515).
Estimated Number of People Impacted: Official estimates on the exact number of individuals impacted by these specific evacuation zones have not been publicly released.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• Highway 395: Portions of U.S. Highway 395 (such as southbound lanes near North Fish Springs Road) experienced dynamic closures and reopenings due to smoke and fire operations. Travelers are advised to check current conditions before driving.
• Local Roads: Taboose Creek Road and Aberdeen Station Road were closed to public access.
• Recreation: Glacier Lodge Road and the Big Pine Recreation Area were closed to ensure public safety.

For more information, visit:

• CAL FIRE Cinder Complex Incident Page
• Inyo County Sheriff's Office & Emergency Updates
• Caltrans QuickMap for Traffic and Road Closures

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no reported injuries or fatalities associated with the Cinder Complex Fire.
Structures Impacted: At this time, there are no reports of structures being damaged or destroyed by the Cinder Complex. No notable people or landmark structures have been reported as impacted.
School and Business Closures: No specific school closures have been announced. However, local recreational areas and rest stops were shut down to ensure public safety.
Notable Impacts: The fire heavily impacted local travel and the Eastern Sierra community's summer recreation due to highway closures and a heavy first responder presence in the area.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: The Division Creek Rest Area on U.S. 395 was closed due to a localized power outage.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns or boil water advisories have been reported.
Burn Bans: Standard county and state fire restrictions are in effect, restricting all outdoor burning due to extreme fire danger across the region.
Air Quality: Smoke from the Cinder Complex funneled southeast into the Mojave Desert and Barstow areas, creating smoky and hazy skies. Air quality dropped to moderate and unhealthy levels in parts of the high and low deserts. Residents with respiratory issues are advised to stay indoors, keep windows closed, turn off swamp coolers, and use air purifiers if possible.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: The Cinder Complex is currently 95% contained, and the threat of further spread is minimal. Over the last 72 hours, no heat signatures have been detected within the fire perimeter. Firefighters anticipate reaching full containment shortly as repair operations are nearing completion and crews finalize the removal of debris.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Drier air has settled across the region, with relative humidity dipping to around 10% and temperatures soaring into the triple digits. Wind gusts could reach up to 25 mph in the afternoons. Fortunately, no further thunderstorm activity is forecasted through the week. While conditions remain hot and dry, the lack of erratic thunderstorm winds is favorable for firefighters finalizing containment.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The Cinder Complex Fire was caused by a severe barrage of lightning strikes on the afternoon and evening of July 24, 2026.
Weather and Climate: The fire was ignited during a period of intense summer thunderstorms. Extreme fire weather conditions—characterized by triple-digit heat, critically low humidity, and parched vegetation—allowed the lightning strikes to quickly catch and spread. These conditions are reflective of the broader, extreme summer climate patterns driving heightened wildfire risks and intense fire seasons across California.

For more information, visit:

• CAL FIRE Cinder Complex Incident Page
• Inyo County Sheriff's Office & Emergency Updates
• Caltrans QuickMap for Traffic and Road Closures