Monday Update: Washington Fire south of Markleeville 45 percent contained
The Washington Fire south of Markleeville is 45 percent contained and has burned 17,786 acres as of Monday morning, according to Sierra Front Interagency Dispatch Center.
Firefighters continued to make excellent progress with direct fireline construction over the fire area on Sunday with the help of higher humidity, lower temperatures and the light rains which occurred intermittently throughout the burned area.
In addition, fire crews continued to mop up the fire perimeter and extinguish any potential hot spots within 200’ of the western fire boundary closest to Markleeville. The fire threat to Markleeville has diminished due to the continued hard work of the firefighters assigned to that area. The structural fire engines assigned to Markleeville are being phased out and will be continue to be released to their home units.
On Monday, firefighters will continue to increase the percent contained as they utilize hose lays to mop up and patrol the side of the fire closest to the community of Markleeville. Firefighters assigned to the north and south sides of the fire, will continue to construct and improve direct fireline in order to stop the forward progression of the fire. The direct fireline is a wide path cleared to mineral soil.
This type of fireline removes fuel from the fire and stops the fire from spreading to unburned vegetation. Weather forecasters have predicted clearing skies today and a gradual increase in temperatures over the region within the next week. The public may see an increase in fire activity within the fire area due to the predicted warming trend.
Road and Area Closures:
State Highway 4 from Markleeville to Ebbetts Pass is currently open to through traffic only. The fire area on either side of Highway 4 is still under a Forest Service closure order and off limits to the public for firefighter safety. The public is reminded to drive safely in the area as they will encounter fire crews working along the roadway during the day. State Highway 89 to Monitor Pass and Wolf Creek Road remain closed to all traffic.
As of Monday there are 1111 personnel, including 32 hand crews, 49 engines, 12 water tenders and 11 helicopters. Two people have been injured and the cost of fighting the fire is around $8.5 million thus far.