Washington Fire containment continues to improve, Highway 4 over Ebbetts Pass opens
State Highway 4 through Markleeville, south over Ebbetts Pass, is now open for through traffic only. This comes after a day of progress for firefighters battling the Washington Fire in Alpine County. The Bureau of Land Management said that as of 9 a.m. Sunday firefighters had reached 37 percent containment, with the fire burning 17,697 acres.
Adjacent forest lands in and near burned are still under forest closure. State Highway 89, starting at the junction with State Highway 4 and continuing over Monitor Pass, will remain closed due to fire activity. Wolf Creek Road will remain closed as well until fire activity diminishes in the area.
The fire was started by lightning on June 19, three miles south of Markleeville and efforts have been to not only stop it but prevent it from reaching town. There are 1,160 personnel, including 31 hand crews, 52 engines, 12 water tenders and 11 helicopters on the fire, estimated to cost $7.6 million thus far.
Fire crews continued to increase the percent containment near Markleeville as they mopped up and patrolled the fire perimeter throughout the day. Hotshot crews on the eastern fire edge will continue to construct direct handline in steep and rocky terrain while being supported from the air with water-dropping helicopters. Light precipitation occurred over the northeastern section of the fire yesterday afternoon aiding in suppression activities.
Taking advantage of the higher humidity and lower temperatures forecast for today, crews will continue mopping up on the western perimeter and constructing direct hand line on the eastern perimeter. Resource advisors will continue working in the fire area identifying cultural resources affected by the fire.
Area closures have been issued for the fire area and can be found here.
The Pacific Crest trail has not been impacted by the Washington Fire and is currently open in all directions.