Forest Service: East Fork Fire south of Gardnerville 30 percent contained, 1,100 acres
The East Fork Fire burning 15 miles south of Gardnerville in the Carson Ranger District of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest is 30 percent contained as of Sunday evening, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
The fire, which started July 1 by a lightning strike, is around 1,100 acres in size. Approximately 315 firefighting personnel are working the fire, including 7 helicopters, 1 air attack, several engines and hand crews.
The East Fork Fire received a good amount of rain Saturday night and firefighters took advantage of the favorable humid conditions Sunday, according to the U.S. Forest Service in a news release.
As of Sunday afternoon all established containment lines were holding. There is smoke and fire activity on the western edge of the fire, where brush and trees within containment lines are burning, the release states. Crews are working the active southeastern edge of the fire with aerial support and bucket drops.
The East Fork Fire is burning approximately 15 miles due east of Woodfords, Calif., and 15 miles due south of Gardnerville, in Alpine County. The fire, ignited by lightning on Thursday, 1 is burning in the steep rugged terrain of Cottonwood Canyon near Horseshoe Bend on the East Fork of the Carson River.
Firefighters are expected to be on scene for several more days. The Forest Service advises for people to stay out of the area of Horseshoe Bend on the East Fork of the Carson River, where firefighters are working.
"The public is the first line of defense in preventing wildfires. Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest fire management and firefighters thank you for recreating responsibly and using extra precaution to prevent wildfires," the news release states.
Airport Road off of Highway 89 in Alpine County is closed between the junction of Highway 89 and Diamond Valley Road. Access to Indian Creek Reservoir is closed until further notice. The Forest Service has instructed the public not to launch any rafts or watercraft in the East Fork of the Carson River from Markleeville. There is fire on both sides of the river.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and the following activities are prohibited:
— Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire outside of developed recreation sites
Smoking, outside an enclosed vehicle or building.
— Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.
— Using an explosive.
— Operating a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine between 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
For more information regarding fire restrictions on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, go here or here for answers to frequently asked questions.