Creek Fire grows to over 143,000 acres

The Creek Fire burning south of Yosemite near Shaver Lake has grown to 143,929 acres. The fire, which started Friday night, continues to grow under extreme conditions causing crowning and wind driven runs and long range spotting. There is no containment at this time.

Smoke from the Creek Fire has filled the Lake Tahoe Basin for the past three days.

The fire has had strong winds with upper level winds from the northwest and variable lower level winds. The fire continued to grow in all directions with large increases to the south and east. The progression has threatened new communities in the foothills, especially with the winds predicted for today, according to fire officials.

A large expanse (80-90 percent) of dead trees from beetle kill are burning, causing the quick growth as well as the wind.

Extreme fire behavior is still being observed with the critical fuels and weather.

Evacuations and Road Closures - Hwy 168 closed at Huntington Lake Road and at the top of the four lane Cressman's. These are hard closures CHP road block in place.

Mandatory Evacuations in place for the communities of Big Creek, Huntington Lake, Shaver Lake and Cascadel Woods.

Evacuation warnings now in effect from Cressman Road - Auberry Road from the top of the four lanes to Powerhouse to the San Joaquin River. Also included are Jose Basin, Alder Spring, Mono Wind Casino, Meadow Lakes and Mile High.