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The fire is burning near the community of Big Creek in steep, rugged and inaccessible terrain. Dirk Charley with the Sierra National Forest said there is no imminent threat to the community of Big Creek, but a portion of Stumps Springs Road is closed to traffic.
The Sample Meadow and West Kaiser campgrounds have been evacuated. Fire officials say that three structures are threatened. Low visibility is hampering aircraft activity, and heavy smoke and steep terrain is making access to the fire difficult.
The U.S. Forest Service says there's zero containment on the blaze. The Highway Patrol is controlling traffic on Huntington Lake Road near the fire area.
Authorities said smoke from the Aspen Fire will impact air quality in local communities. Individuals sensitive to smoke are suggested to remain indoors and keep windows closed, to minimize exposure to smoke.
Authorities said lightning was the cause of the fire. They also said 15 other small fires were caused by lighting in the area on July 23rd. All of these fires are less than 1/4 acre in size.
