Slink

Evacuation warnings lifted after crews halt forward progress near Topaz

The Slink Fire is burning off U.S. Highway 395 south of the State Route 89 junction near Topaz in Mono County. Initial attack ground crews and air tankers halted the fire's forward progress shortly after ignition, keeping the burn within established retardant lines. The fire continues to hold with no active threat to surrounding communities.

Evacuations and Closures

• All evacuation warnings for areas along U.S. Highway 395 south of State Route 89 were lifted by the Mono County Sheriff's Office on October 3, 2026.
• A temporary evacuation shelter at the Walker Community Center on Mule Deer Road in Coleville was opened for residents on October 3, 2026.
• U.S. Highway 395 in the Topaz area was reduced to one-lane controlled traffic on October 3, 2026, to facilitate firefighting operations.

Impact

Officials confirmed zero civilian or firefighter injuries and zero fatalities as of October 3, 2026. Local businesses reopened following the cancellation of evacuation warnings.

Conditions and Outlook

Warm and dry weather will continue over the area with negligible chance of rain through midweek. Winds are expected to remain light to moderate while shifting between west-southwest and north. Firefighters plan to patrol and reinforce established lines under these stable conditions.

Cause and Context

The cause of the fire remains under investigation as of October 4, 2026. Primary jurisdiction is held by the U.S. Forest Service - Toiyabe National Forest, operating alongside state, federal, and local mutual-aid partners.

Official updates current through October 4, 2026.