Fire Watch

Pony Fire contained, people return to their homes

Posted: Jul 9, 2012 8:28 AM by Dennis Bragg - MTN News

PONY- Fire managers are declaring the stubborn Pony Fire contained, as residents return to their homes.

The fire started June 24th and was one of the first blazes to break out as the new fire season started amid high winds and hot temperatures two weeks ago. It burned 5,157 acres and is the last of that first wave of wildfires to be controlled.

Fire officials had nearly all the fire surrounded in the steep, rocky terrain on Sunday. And this morning they declared the fire officially "contained", although work will continue to mop up high spots and monitor conditions. Management of the fire is being transferred to a smaller, Type 3 fire team which is using more local resources.

(photo courtesy inciweb.org)

Residents from the South Boulder and Mammoth areas were allowed to start returning to their homes on Sunday and today the South Boulder Road is being re-opened to the public. However, the Forest Service is asking the road use be limited to local traffic because of the fire equipment that's still in the area.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.