FAIRFIELD-SUISUN, CALIFORNIA
A fast-moving wildfire that erupted Friday, July 16, 2021 in Alpine County is burning on the outskirts of Markleeville and has prompted the evacuation of several hundred residents. (U.S. Forest Service/TNS)
Tamarack Fire now threatens Northern California town after 2-week-old blaze exploded Friday
SACRAMENTO A nearly 2-week-old wildfire erupted in size and ferocity Friday evening in Alpine County zooming to the outskirts of Markleeville, the county seat, and has prompted the evacuation of several hundred residents and vacationers.
The Tamarack Fire leaped to 6,600 acres from 500 acres overnight, according to the U.S. Forest Service’s Humboldt-Toiyabe unit.
“The fire continues to burn in a northerly direction backing towards Highway 89 south of Markleeville towards the Carson River,” the Forest Service said in an latest incident update. Authorities said the fire was burning in timber and brush, and that aerial resources would support the on-th
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This story does not require a subscription because it deals with a matter of public safety. It is being updated throughout the day. Last update: 5:05 p.m. Saturday, July 17.
The Tamarack Fire, which sat at an estimated 500 acres as of Friday night, has grown to over 6,000 acres and closed multiple highways in the area, according to the Alpine County Sheriff s Office.
The lightning-caused fire, which is located near Markleeville, has been currently mapped by fire officials at 6,600 acres and containment information is not yet available.
According to Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest officials, the fire is active on all flanks and exhibiting high rates of spread as it burns timber and bush.
Bill Rozak/ Tahoe Daily Tribune
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. Tamarack Fire, near Markleeville and Pleasant Valley has grown to an estimated 500 acres.
Smoke from the fire, first reported around 4 p.m. on Friday July 16, can be seen from the Carson City, Carson Valley and Markleeville.
According to Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, firefighters are on scene and actively engaged in suppression operations. Two helicopters, air tankers, and air attack have been ordered and are on scene.
“The fire’s location, hazards to firefighters, conditions on the ground, past fire history, resource availability and weather forecasts are some of the factors taken into account when selecting a management strategy for any wildfire,” the incident report states.
Tamarack Fire
Alpine County, CA Some evacuations have been called for in Alpine County due to a wildfire.
The Tamarack Fire ignited on July 4 near Markleeville in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. After remaining small for several weeks, it jumped to 500 acres by this afternoon, and is now up to 1,600 acres this evening. The Alpine County Sheriff’s Office reports that evacuations have been ordered for Markleeville, Grover’s Hot Springs Park and Campground, Shay Creek, Markleeville Village and East Fork Resort. The Forest Service earlier indicated that the fire was caused by a lightning strike.
Officials are increasing the suppression attack. Two helicopters, a VLAT (Very Large Air Tanker), some single engine air tankers and air attack have been on scene today
Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest via Twitter
Here are online resources with information about the Tamarack Fire: Inciweb, Humboldt Toiyabe National Forest on Facebook and Twitter, and the Great Basin Coordination Center on Twitter. Residents can sign up for evacuation notifications on the homepage of the Alpine County Sheriff’s Office. The Facebook page for the Alpine County Sheriff s Office has some updates, but the agency is experiencing power and internet issues and has a warning on its page that the information may not be the most up-to-date.
4:15 p.m. | July 17, 2021
Evacuations are now in place for Markleeville, Grover Hot Springs Park and Campground, Shay Creek, Marklee Village, Carson River Resort, Poor Boy Road area, East Fork Resort, Wolf Creek Campground area, Silver Creek Campground, Alpine Village, Hope Valley, Mesa Vista area, the Woodfords area and the Woodfords Indian Colony. Residents can sign up for evacuation notifications on the homepage of the Alp