King Fire grows as Weather Service issues Dense Smoke Advisory for Carson City region through Monday

A Dense Smoke Advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service for Carson City, Dayton, Carson Valley and Reno areas through 5 p.m. Monday.

Visibility has diminished to less than a mile in some areas as heavy smoke from the King Fire burning near Pollock Pines in El Dorado County, Calif., continues with around 10 percent containment. Cal Fire reports the fire to be more than 82,000 acres as of Sunday. Smoke from the fire forced the cancelation of the IRONMAN competition set for today at Lake Tahoe.

Here in Carson City, residents should expect unhealthy air quality for the next several days with outdoor activities discouraged. Travel may be impacted because of low visibility on the Carson City Freeway, Highway 395, Highway 50 and 89 and Interstate 80.

A dense smoke advisory is issued when smoke from wildfires significantly reduces visibilities making it difficult to see and breath. The smoke will continue to be a problem until the fires are extinguished, according to the weather service. Those in the advisory areas are urged to avoid prolonged exposure to the smoke and to stay indoors.

The human-caused King Fire, which started Sept. 13, is burning in steep terrain in the South Fork of the American River Canyon, Silver Creek Canyon, and the Rubicon Canyon, north of the community of Pollock Pines. The fire has crossed into Placer County and has burned onto the Tahoe National Forest. Thunderstorms moved through the area overnight, bringing lightning and rain.

The U.S. Forest Service has amended its Forest Order restricting people outside of the fire area. Scroll in the photo bar to see the amended map. Below is a news release issued Sunday afternoon.

Eldorado National Forest Updated King Fire Closure
The following acts are prohibited within the Eldorado National Forest King Fire area, as shown on the fire closure map, until the closure is lifted.

Pursuant to 16 USC 551 and 36 CFR 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the Georgetown, Placerville and Pacific Ranger Districts of the Eldorado National Forest. This Order is effective from September 20, 2014 until the King Fire is declared out or by termination of the Order.

1. Going into or being upon any National Forest System land within the King Fire Closure. The King Fire Closure boundary begins at the intersection of Federal Highway 50 and Wrights Lake Road, then continues north along Wrights Lake Road to its intersection with the Pacific Ranger District boundary, then continues east along the Pacific Ranger District boundary to the Eldorado National Forest boundary, then continues northwest, west and south along the Eldorado National Forest boundary to its intersection with Meadowbrook Road, then continues southwest along Meadowbrook Road to its intersection with California State Highway 193, then continues south along California State Highway 193 to its intersection with Rock Creek Road, then continues east along Rock Creek Road to its intersection with Mosquito Road, then continues south along Mosquito Road to its intersection with Union Ridge Road, then continues southeast along Union Ridge Road to its intersection with Carson Road, then continues east 2.2 miles along Carson Road to its intersection with Federal Highway 50, then continues east along Federal Highway 50 back to the starting point. 36 CFR 261.53(e).

2. Being on any National Forest System road within the King Fire Closure Area, as shown on the attached map. 36 CFR 261.54(e).

3. Being on any National Forest System trail within the King Fire Closure Area, as shown on the attached map. 36 CFR 261.55(a).

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Persons with a permit from the Forest Service specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.

2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

3. Owners of lessees of land in the area are exempt of this prohibition to the extent necessary to gain access to their land.

A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both.

Preliminary reports from the Damage Assessment Team from the White Meadows area indicate that 10 residences and 22 other type structures were destroyed. The assessment of the area will continue. The King Fire is being managed in Unified Command with CAL FIRE Eldorado National Forest, and the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office.