Tamarack Fire grows to 39,000 acres; more evacuations, no containment
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Mon, 07/19/2021 - 9:07pm
UPDATE TUESDAY: The Tamarack Fire has now burned through 39,045 acres and is 0 percent contained. There has been extreme fire behavior in the form of crowning, spotting and surface runs along active perimeter of the fire, which is burning in mixed conifer, heavy mountain brush/grass, sage and juniper.
There are currently 796 personnel working on the fire. The fire has reached the East Fork Fire burn scar.
As of Monday afternoon, the Tamarack Fire burning near Markleeville has moved in two directions, one heading toward Burnside Lake, the other to Monitor Pass. Precautionary evacuation orders have been issued for Blue Lakes Road, Blue Lakes Campgrounds, Tamarack Lake and Deer Valley areas due to an expected shift in wind later Monday. Search and Rescue personnel will be on foot and ATVs to search for hikers, campers and residents in the area to advise them to leave.
Fire officials said during a meeting Monday that evacuations will be mandatory in Crystal Springs, and the Mesa Vista area when a "backburn" takes place Monday.
Four dozer lines are around neighborhoods in the Markleeville and Woodfords areas. Fifteen to 20 engines are in the Woodfords area as of 1 p.m. and firefighters are trying to keep the fire out of Woodfords Canyon.
During the meeting Monday with evacuees, the Alpine County Sheriff's Office said seven buildings have burned. However, there isn't an official numbers at this time as the Forest Service continues to assess the area.
Overnight, a backfiring operation was completed along a containment line established from Highway 89 to Diamond Valley Road. On Monday, firefighters plan to continue point protection efforts around structures in all areas currently being impacted by fire and continue to improve and mop up the line.
Smoke and weather conditions prevented the infrared mapping of the Tamarack Fire from the air on Sunday, so the 23,078 acres burned is an estimate. The USFS Humboldt-Toiyabe fire officials say differences in reported acreage are due to estimates by crews on the ground and have been between 18,000 and 26,000 acres.
As soon as conditions allow, the mapping flight will be conducted to provide more accurate information about the size and location of the fire. Firefighters are working to limit fire spread north towards Highway 88 and Carson Canyon. Today, as resources become available, they will begin line construction at Highway 89 moving to the southwest.
A damage assessment team has been ordered and will begin working in the fire area to determine exactly how many structures have been destroyed or damaged.
Evacuations: Markleeville, Grover Hot Springs and campground area, Shay Creek, Marklee Village, Alpine Village, Woodfords, East Fork Resort and the community of Hung A Lel Ti.
Closures: Highway 89 is closed at the intersection of Highway 4 and 89. Highway 4 is open west of the Highway 89 and Highway 4 junction. Please slow down and drive with caution in the area as fire crews continue to work. Refer to https://roads.dot.ca.gov/ for closure specifics.
The Pacific Crest Trail is closed between Carson Pass (Highway 88) and Ebbetts Pass (Highway 4). Please find locations away from the fire area for your recreation opportunities.
Weather and Smoke: There is a 60 percent chance of wetting rain Monday, with a possibility of flooding in drainages and debris flows on steep terrain in the fire area. Even if the area receives rain, the fire could remain active. Carson Valley and surrounding areas could be impacted by smoke and ash fall. Individuals with compromised respiratory systems are encouraged to limit outdoor exposure, if possible.
