Alpine County fire figures updated again: 16,543 acres burned

1:35 p.m. update on 6/23/15

The fire figures were updated this afternoon. At 8 a.m. they report almost 16,000 acres, then downsized a bit at noon to 13,562 after analyzing infrared reports. The 1:35 p.m. update is as follows:

The Washington Fire is actively burning. It is spreading due to both fuel-and-slope-driven forces and in some some drainages off of the East Fork Carson River. It has also spread to the north and to the east.

Fire is burning in hazardous and inaccessible terrain and approaching an increasing number of structures and impacting travel corridors.

Breezy and dry conditions continue into this evening.

Thunderstorms are expected in the next couple of days.

12:25 p.m. update 6/23

The Washington Fire has now burned 13,562 acres in Alpine County. One cabin has burned in the Silver Hill area but, so far, all historic cabins along Silver Creek have remain in tack. Earlier reports of over 16,000 acres were changed after fire officials obtained more accurate infrared reconnaissance.

500 fire fighters are fighting the fire, which started when lightening hit a tree two weeks ago. The tree smoldered until winds on Friday, June 23 fired it up. The fire grew quickly from 30 acres when first reported on Friday to the over 16,000 acres on Tuesday morning.

During a community meeting at the Alpine County Board of Supervisors office at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Incident Commander Chris Wilcox told an overflowing crowd to remain prepared to evacuate.

"We are focusing on priority areas right now," said Wilcox. "We are in a full suppression strategy and trying to keep the fire out of the Markleeville area."

Members of the Great Basin Incident Management team arrived to the fire area on Monday. High winds Sunday night and Monday morning forced all who were fighting the fire to get out of the fire's path.

"The crews did as they should [fighting the fire], then the fire blossomed and they had to pull back. If they hadn't we would of had some fire fighters killed," said Wilcox.

There are now an Incident Meteorologist and Fire Behavior Analyst on the scene to get sense of how and where the fire will go according to Wilcox.

Many residents of the county were concerned about not getting the needed information concerning the Washington Fire. During the community meeting Wilcox told them that situation would improve with the arrival of Press Information Office Larry Lucas and the posting of fire maps in the town and inside the County Offices.

Several campgrounds along Highway 4 to the north end of Markleeville have been evacuated. In addition, Highways 4 and 89 in the Monitor Pass area are closed. Turtle Rock and Indian Creek campgrounds are closed.

8:00 p.m. update 6/22/15

The Washington Fire, now burning 3 miles south of Markleeville, exploded on Monday and has now burned 14,942 acres.

The eastern end of the fire is about six miles away from Topaz Lake.

The fire is now 10% contained according to the U.S. Forest Service.

There will be a public meeting with Fire Commanders for residents of the area on Tuesday, June 23 at 8 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors' meeting room in Markleeville. The address is 99 Water St.

At this time, Highways 89 and 4 are closed as are the Indian Creek campground and the Alpine County airport. The fire has not reached the campground, it is closed due to smoke and is serving as a base for fire crews. There are now 15 crews, 17 engines, and 16 air resources on the scene.

4:30 p.m. update 6/22/15

Firefighters are focusing their efforts on the northwest flank of the Washington Fire in an effort to protect the town of Markleeville in Alpine County.

The fire, burning south of the junction of Highway 4 and Highway 88, has now consumed 9,500 acres and is approximately 8 miles south of Markleeville.

There is heavy smoke in the area of the fire as well as drifting to surrounding communities.

It has been determined that the fire was lightening caused.

8:30 a.m. update 6/22/15

The Washington Fire in Alpine County has burned 8,900 acres. Fire fighters have been able to make some ground and it is now 10% contained.

There have been no evacuations in Markleeville but the Alpine County Sheriff's Office still wants residents to be prepared.

The fire moved to the north side of Highway 89 Sunday afternoon, into Bagley Valley.

5 p.m. update 6/21/15

The Washington Fire grew rapidly Sunday and is now at a size of 6,500 acres.

The Alpine Sheriff's Department is asking for residents of Markleeville to be prepared to be evacuate due to the extreme fire behavior displayed during the day Sunday. The fire is presently in the Bagley Valley, and has moved through the junction of Hwy 89 and Hwy 4. The fire is on the north side of Hwy 89.

All campers are being evacuated on Hwy 4 and Wolf Creek Rd, and at the Carson River Resort.

Sheriff Stephens has requested everyone in Markleeville and areas outlying prepare for the possibility of evacuation. He said to decide what to take with you and even load the most important things in the car. If you have a disability or are without transportation, call for the Sheriff's Office for assistance.

There was a community meeting scheduled Sunday night but it has been cancelled.

8:20 a.m. update 6/21/15

The Washington Fire, burning in Alpine County near Silver Peak, made significant runs overnight and has now burned 1,300 acres, according to a Sierra Front Interagency report. The fire is burning in heavy timber and has reached Wolf Creek.

The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Fire warning in the are which starts at 12:00 p.m. Sunday, going until 10 p.m. this evening. Winds will gust up to 45 mph in the area.

9:50 p.m. Update 6/20/15

The Washington Fire has grown to 350 acres with a spotting fire of 30-50 acres burning across the river about 1.5 miles ahead of the main fire.

A Type 2 team has been called to the scene. This means a base camp is established and a large number of resources are utilized. Type 5 is the least complex fire, while Type 1 is the most complex.

Original Story -

The Washington Fire has burned 75 acres so far near Silver Peak in Alpine County. A large plume of smoke can be seen from Gardnerville and Minden.

According to Nevada Fire officials, the wildfire is pushing east through heavy duff and timber.

Air resources continuing to work on the fire as are the Zephyr Fire crew and other crews that have hiked in to the remote location.

The fire started on Friday evening at 7 p.m. The cause has not been released.