Containment up to 10 percent in Washington Fire burning near Markleeville

GARDNERVILLE, Nev. — UPDATE 7:30 a.m., Thursday: Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch reports firefighters made progress for the second consecutive day Wednesday on the 17,205-acre Washington Fire eight miles south of Markleeville, Calif.

Firefighters upped the containment of the fire to 10 percent on the sixth day of suppression efforts. The primary tactical priority continues to be preventing the fire from reaching Markleeville. The next priorities are to contain the fire in the Wolf Creek and Monitor Pass areas.

According to Sierra Front, for the safety of the public and active fire suppression activities, Highways 4 and 89 in the Monitor Pass area remain closed, as do the Turtle Rock and Indian Creek campgrounds. Markleeville residents remain under an evacuation advisory issued by Alpine County Sherriff’s Office.

No mandatory evacuations are in effect at this time. Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval and Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell visited the incident command post for a fire briefing Wednesday and expressed their gratitude to the firefighters for their efforts. California resources secretary John Laird also accompanied Sandoval and Jewell.

Twelve helicopters and 3 air tankers are supporting the suppression effort on the fire, dropping retardant, ferrying equipment and supplies, transporting firefighters, and providing essential surveillance of areas far inside the perimeter not safely accessible by foot. Other key resources include 43 engines, 11 water tenders, and 30 crews. There are now 900 personnel assigned to the fire.

Warmer temperatures are expected through Saturday with record highs likely by Friday. Sierra Front said forecasted dry thunderstorms with strong outflow winds remain a concern for Friday. There will be a fire weather watch for Saturday and Sunday with possible thunderstorms. The fire was ignited by lightning that occurred in previous storms in the weeks before, but smoldered undetected until Friday, June 19 shortly after 6 p.m.

Smoke from the Washington Fire in Alpine County drifted over Carson Valley early Tuesday morning and continued to cause poor air quality all day Wednesday. With only light winds expected, the air quality will likely remain compromised at points over the next several days.

Sierra Front officials urged the public to use precautions when driving, keeping in mind that visibility could be limited. Visit http://www.cdc.gov/Features/Wildfires/ for information regarding the potential effects of wildfire smoke.

For updates to this story, including maps, photographs, video and more, go to Carson Valley Times here.

Carson City Health and Human Services recommends the following:

1. Stay indoors with windows and doors closed; run air-conditioner on “recirculate” setting. Keep the fresh-air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. Minimize the use of swamp coolers. If it becomes too warm indoors, individuals may consider leaving the area to seek alternative shelter.

2. Do not add to indoor pollution. When smoke levels are high, do not use anything that burns, such as candles, fireplaces, or gas stoves. Do not vacuum, because vacuuming stirs up particles already inside your home. Do not smoke, because smoking puts even more pollution into the air.

3. Follow your doctor's advice about medicines and about your respiratory management plan if you have asthma or another lung disease, Call your doctor if your symptoms worsen. If you evacuate, make sure you take all essential medications along with you.

4. Do not rely on dust masks or N95 respirators for protection. If you wish to wear something, use a wet handkerchief or bandana to cover your mouth and nose. The key – keep it moist.

5. When driving make sure to drive with the windows rolled up and the air conditioner on “recirculate.” Also, buckle up – and do not drink and drive!

6. Minimize or stop outdoor activities, especially exercise, during smoky conditions.

7. People who must spend time outdoors should drink plenty of fluids.

8. Additionally, pet owners should consider bringing their pets indoors out of the unhealthy air conditions, if possible. This is especially important for older pets.

9. Stay tuned to local radio and TV for emergency announcements about air quality.

10. Stay in touch with family and friends, especially if you live alone. Exercise your communications plan.

Go here to keep up-to-date on the status of this fire, and for other resources, go here and here for air quality updates. For more information on the health implications of wildfires, go here.