Detwiler Fire burns 70,596 acres; Haze expected Friday in Lake Tahoe-Reno-Carson City area

7:45 p.m. update: There is less smoke in the Lake Tahoe basin this evening but air quality is still measuring in the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" range. The Detwiler Fire is burning in drought stricken chaparral and in an area of severe tree mortality and has consumed 70,596 acres and is now 10 percent contained.

As of tonight, 50 residences and 49 other structures have been destroyed and widespread evacuation orders are still in place.

Widespread haze over Lake Tahoe, Reno and Carson City areas is forecast again for Friday.

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The Detwiler Fire burning near the town of Mariposa, Calif. has consumed 70,096 acres and is now 10 percent contained. As of Thursday morning, 45 structures have been destroyed and 1,500 are still threatened by the fire. Over 3,000 firefighting personnel are on the scene with several helicopters and air tankers assisting.

The fire is burning in drought stricken chaparral and in an area of severe tree mortality and flames are between the towns of Mariposa and Coulterville. 5,000 people have been evacuated.

Cause of the fire is under investigation.

Smoke from the fire has been in the Lake Tahoe Basin and Reno and the Carson City/Carson Valley areas. All had a cooler start to the day on Thursday with less dense smoke. Currently the air quality in all local areas is in the "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" range: Although general public is not likely to be affected at this AQI range, people with lung disease, older adults and children are at a greater risk from exposure to ozone, whereas persons with heart and lung disease, older adults and children are at greater risk from the presence of particles in the air.

As the day progresses this may change depending on fire and wind behavior. At this time a dense smoke advisory is in place. Winds are not expected to be as gusty as they were in the earlier part of the week. The National Weather Service in Reno forecasts areas of smoke today with a high near 81. Light southwest wind becoming west 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon. Tonight, more smoke with a low around 41. West wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light in the evening.