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Winds fan wildfire in eastern California's Owens Valley

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AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File
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Posted at 8:45 AM, Feb 17, 2022
and last updated 2022-02-17 11:45:18-05

OWENS VALLEY, Calif. (AP) — A wildfire continues to burn actively in eastern California’s remote Owens Valley but firefighters have kept it from destroying or damaging any buildings.

Cal Fire says the fire is estimated to have scorched more than 4 square miles as of early Thursday morning.

The blaze erupted Wednesday near Eastern Sierra Regional Airport just outside the town of Bishop and winds drove it south toward the small town of Big Pine, where evacuations were ordered for the east side of the community.

More than 430 personnel, six air tankers, and a helicopter are fighting the fire.

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WILDFIRE RESOURCES

ASSEMBLE AN EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT

Put together your emergency supply kit long before a wildfire or other disaster occurs and keep it easily accessible so you can take it with you when you have to evacuate.

Emergency Supply Kit Checklist:

  • Face masks or coverings
  • Three-day supply of non-perishable food and three gallons of water per person
  • Map marked with at least two evacuation routes
  • Prescriptions or special medications
  • Change of clothing
  • Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses
  • An extra set of car keys, credit cards, cash or traveler’s checks
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight
  • Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
  • Sanitation supplies
  • Copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.)
  • Don’t forget pet food and water!

Items to take if time allows:

  • Easily carried valuables
  • Family photos and other irreplaceable items
  • Personal computer information on hard drives and disks
  • Chargers for cell phones, laptops, etc.

Always keep a sturdy pair of shoes and a flashlight near your bed and handy in case of a sudden evacuation at night.