Pack Fire Remains Uncontained After Burning 3,400 Acres; Partial Evacuations Lifted
Mono County officials reported that the Pack Fire, which has scorched roughly 3,400 acres since igniting last week, remains at 0% containment as of the latest update. The blaze, fueled by dry vegetation and high winds, continues to threaten forested terrain east of the Sierra Nevada foothills.
Early Saturday evening, authorities began escorting residents of Crowley Lake back into their homes after an evacuation order that had been in place since Tuesday was downgraded. Officials said the decision was based on a reassessment of fire behavior and the establishment of new fire lines that reduced immediate risk to the community. Nonetheless, a portion of the evacuation order remains in effect for nearby areas where the fire’s forward spread is still uncertain.
Firefighters from multiple agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), and local volunteer crews, have been battling the blaze around the clock. Air tankers and ground crews have focused on protecting structures and critical infrastructure, while also working to prevent the fire from reaching the Crowley Lake reservoir. Weather forecasts indicate that cooler temperatures and a slight increase in humidity are expected later this week, which could aid suppression efforts.
Local officials emphasized that the situation remains fluid. “We are monitoring the fire’s perimeter closely and will adjust evacuation guidance as conditions evolve,” a county spokesperson said. Emergency management teams continue to provide updates through the county’s alert system and local news outlets.
Analysts note that the Pack Fire underscores the ongoing challenges of wildfire management in the western United States, where prolonged drought and climate‑related factors have heightened fire risk. While containment is still distant, authorities remain hopeful that favorable weather and continued firefighting resources will eventually bring the blaze under control. Residents are urged to stay alert, follow official instructions, and prepare for possible changes to evacuation status in the coming days.
