Mudslide closes Hwy 4 in burn area near Markleeville

Just a day after people celebrated the opening of highways through the Washington Fire area south of Markleeville, a mudslide has closed Highway 4 over Ebbetts Pass. The road is closed 2.4 miles south of town.

A strong thunderstorm formed over the northwest half of the fire Wednesday, bringing heavy rains and frequent lightning.

The fire is now 77% contained and has burned 17,790 acres. It has cost $10.1 million to fight the Washington Fire. Due to steep terrain, there will be fire and smoke in some areas that cannot be accessed on foot. A wide band has been created around over 3/4 of the perimeter.

Fire officials are estimating full containment on Friday July 31st, 2015.

Most fire trucks have returned to their home stations and 667 personnel remain on the scene. Phased demobilization continues on Thursday.