Here in Mammoth Lakes we’re fortunate to be surrounded by the beautiful Eastern Sierra Mountains and the wildernesses that they soar above. That’s why people flock here to ski, snowboard, hike, camp, climb, fish, or just about anything else you can do outside.
However, all that wilderness and the area’s natural dry climate make wildfire danger a serious threat to everyone and everything nearby. Add in climate change creating longer, hotter dry periods and you can see why everyone who loves Mammoth Lakes should know when the wildfire threat is at its highest and what they can do to protect themselves and the area from fire danger.
The Mammoth Bound team has written what you need to know about Mammoth Lakes wildfire season below so you can plan your visit accordingly. Read all about it before your next visit to Mammoth Lakes!
Mammoth Lakes Fire Season is Traditionally from May to October but That’s Changing
Mammoth Lakes is known for its winters that leave snow on the ground into May and beyond. As the summer heat dries out wilderness areas though, it’s more likely that wildfires spark and spread out of control. Add in a lack of rain throughout summer and early fall, and you get Mammoth Lakes’ fire season which typically runs through May to October.
However, with climate creating higher average temperatures and longer dry periods the traditional fire season is expanding in Mammoth Lakes. On top of that, more people want to spend time in the wilderness, and that means more visitors heading into the outdoors near Mammoth Lakes.
All those people spending time outside increase the chance of manmade fires, so it is extremely important that you are aware of fire danger and always practice fire safety.
What You Need to Know About Wildfires in Mammoth Lakes
Mono County has already shared important information about wildfires and how they affect people near them, but it’s important that you’re aware of information like the air quality index and resources to keep up with fires in the area.
Mammoth Lakes is lucky to have several wilderness areas and national forests nearby, but each could have its own unique fire safety restrictions and fire dangers. That’s why it’s important for you to check the fire danger and any restrictions for whatever forest or wilderness area you’re visiting.
Of course, all the knowledge in the world doesn’t mean anything if you don’t apply it. You must follow all fire safety rules and restrictions for wherever you’re going, no matter what you’re doing.
While the Leave No Trace Principles are a great place to start and should always be followed, wildfires are dangerous enough to shut down entire areas to visitors if there is a chance that a one could start or spread.
While we cannot control the weather, we can control our actions. If you’re visiting the Mammoth Lakes area then it’s important for the health and safety of everyone who lives or visits here that you follow all fire safety restrictions.
Doing so will help keep Mammoth Lakes’ community and the surrounding wilderness healthy and open for all!