Tamarack Fire in Alpine County remapped, evacuation orders remain in place
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Sun, 07/18/2021 - 3:29pm
UPDATE: The U.S. Forest Service revised the size of the Tamarack Fire on Monday morning to 23,078 acres. In its Sunday night briefing the agency said an infrared-equipped plane was scheduled to fly the fire overnight, to provide more accurate information about the fire’s size and location. As of Sunday evening there were 796 firefighting personnel on the fire with 0 percent containment.
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Alpine County on Sunday evening reports the Tamarack Fire has burned 25,000 acres, with six structures lost and air response remaining limited due to smoke. The county website made the announcement update at 5:20 p.m.
Mandatory evacuations are in place for the following areas: Grover Hot Springs, Shay Creek, MarkleeVillage, Markleeville, Carson River Resort, & Poor Boy Road area, Wolf Creek Campground, Silver Creek Campground, additionally Sierra Pines, Upper and Lower Manzanita, Crystal Springs, Alpine Village, Diamond Valley Road and Hung-a-lel-ti are now under mandatory evacuations. "The Mesa" is under a voluntary evacuation but conditions are changing fast. The county advises the public to stay out of these areas to allow emergency personnel to do their jobs. The fire evacuation center is at the Douglas County Senior Center in Gardnerville.
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The Tamarack Fire burning in Alpine County near Markleeville is estimated at 18,299 acres and was 0 percent contained as of around 11:30 a.m. Sunday, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The Forest Service revised the acres earlier Sunday and are subject to change as the mapping progresses. There are 517 firefighting personnel working on the fire.
There is a Red Flag Warning Sunday in the area of the fire through Monday at 11 a.m. with thunderstorms possible in the afternoon that may cause erratic winds in the fire area.
It is unknown at this time how many structures have burned, though the Forest Service reports two and the Alpine County Sheriff's Office reports three, according to KOLO.
On Sunday, firefighters were continuing to actively suppress the fire where they can do so safely, according to the Forest Service. Crews will be focusing on preserving life and property with point protection of structures and putting in containment lines where possible. Aviation resources are available to assist with water delivery when smoke conditions allow. The fire continues to impact the community of Markleeville and the surrounding areas.
Mandatory evacuations are in place for the following areas: Grover Hot Springs, Shay Creek, Marklee Village, Markleeville, Carson River Resort, & Poor Boy Road area, Wolf Creek Campground, Silver Creek Campground, Sierra Pines, Upper and Lower Manzanita, Crystal Springs, Alpine Village, Diamond Valley Road and Hung-a-lel-ti.
Closures: Highway 89 is closed at the intersection of Highway 4 and 89. Highway 4 is currently open west of the Highway 89 and Highway 4 junction. Please slow down and drive with caution in the area as fire crews and equipment will continue to arrive and use the Highway to access the fire. Please refer to https://roads.dot.ca.gov/ for closure specifics.
Smoke: Due to an increase in fire activity and the growth of the Tamarack Fire, the Carson Valley and surrounding areas will continue to be impacted by smoke and moderate ash fall throughout the day. Individuals with compromised respiratory systems are encouraged to limit outdoor exposure if possible.
The fire has led Forest officials on the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest to close a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. The fire is burning northeast of the trail near Raymond Peak (around mile 1060) in the Pleasant Valley Creek area.
The Pacific Crest Trail is closed between California State Route 88 and California State Route 4 (Ebbetts Pass). For reroute details, please visit the Pacific Crest Trail website here.
