Birch Creek fire contained, but not controlled

The Birch Creek fire in Inyo County, Calif., was 100 percent contained Wednesday evening.

The fire -- which began at 8:30 a.m. Monday -- burned 2,624 acres and cost $876,000 to contain.

Forest Service officials were still unsure Wednesday evening what caused the fire or when the fire would be controlled. The battle was being waged by a multi-agency team of 26 hot shot crews, seven helicopters, 60 fire engines, four water tenders for a total of 875 people.

No injuries or loss of structures were reported.

As of Wednesday morning visitors were being allowed back into the businesses and campgrounds in Rock Creek. The Holiday Campgound was being used as a staging area for fire personnel and will be closed for the weekend.

The Birch Creek fire was located in the Inyo National Forest, north of Bishop and south of Tom's Place between Swall Meadows and Highway 395 about 160 miles south of Carson City.

South of Birch Creek in Lone Pine, Calif., crews also responded early Wednesday morning to a 20-acre fire.